Connection to King Lear

Many cannot find their identity today, which is a factor in why so many of us allow others to shape our identities. Not only in the modern world, but also in King Lear's time. King Lear is well aware of who he is, a proud and noble King with three beautiful and caring daughters. When he asks them to state how much they tangibly love him though, he gives away his power and loses his identity. He begins to go mad because who he thought he was, he is no longer. He allows his two power hungry daughters Reagan and Goneril to tear him down and give him a new, less powerful identity. For example, in his madness in act three scene six, Lear imagines his two daughters Regan and Goneril on trial before Edgar, the Fool, Kent, and himself. This displays his want to regain power and his previous identity. While speaking to the Fool of his plans, Lear states, "It shall be done. I will arraign them straight."(p.151) Meaning, Lear will arrange the trail, and set his daughters straight. Today, most people allow others to alter their identity because they don't really know who they are or can't accept themselves. At least Lear knows who he is, and is fighting to get it back, even if it is simply for power.

The picture above shows Lear and the Fool. This is significant because the Fool is one of Lear's only loyal subjects after his identity crisis.