Deadly Pride

  

            Shakespears infamous play King Lear touches upon several themes. I found pride to be the central idea that affected many of the characters decisions in this tragic story. Shakespeare masterfully created a web of emotions that wrapped around the main character King Lear, consuming him until he witnesses at the end that his pride was the reason he was making such outrageous decisions. Blinded by his own power, Lear’s pedestal seemed to grow over his head until he was no longer able see why it was that his whole kingdom began to crumble. His fool became an inner voice attempting to wake him from his sleep by speaking truth to the king:

Mark it, nuncle:

Have more than thou showest,

Speak less than thou knowest,

Lend less than thou owest,

Ride more than thou goest,

Learn more than thou trowest,