Nature

Nature

1. Concept of nature - is not simply one of many themes to be uncovered and analysed, but instead - foundation of the whole play. From Kingship to personal human relations, from representations of the physical world to notions of the heavenly realm, from the portrayal of human nature to the use of animal imagery; Nature permeates every line of King Lear.

   • The tragedy of King Lear stems from Lear’s attempt to subvert the ‘natural’ social order by relinquishing his crown to his daughters. Lear proclaims in the first scene his intention to divide his kingdom and ‘To shake all cares and business from our age,’ - ironic in light of catastrophic events which follow.
     • According to the laws of nature it was impossible for L to stop being king - his rightful position by divine ordination. Throughout the play he is still referred to as the King, even though he has divided his crown.
   • the natural social order - seen in terms of power relations between characters: King over subjects, fathers over daughters, husbands over wives. - L possesses his daughters as according to the Great Chain of Being he presides over them -only ‘natural’ that they should proclaim their love for him. C’s refusal - shocking to L and he calls her ‘a wretch whom nature is ashamed'
   • L’s power & intimate connection with nature is shown at its height - discovers treachery of R & G and as he releases his anger at them the stage directions tell of a ‘storm and tempest’ - can be interpreted as the heavens responding to Lear’s rage.
     • Physical nature as sublime - nature induces feelings of terror and awe simultaneously. - L challenges elements - descent into madness - pathetic fallacy.
     • calls them 'unnatural hags' - demonstrates L's contempt for daughters.
   • In S's era - concept of 'natural behaviour' - concept of society emphasised by nature in KL.

2. Portrayal of human nature and its relation to Nature - subplot - G & sons.

   • Edmund’s illegitimacy and his actions that stem from it highlight distinction between nature and the ’natural’ social order.
     • Distinction between nature and what society deems as natural is underlined by Edmund’s rejection of the ‘natural’ ties of children to their fathers in favour of the laws of nature - he declares, ‘Thou, Nature, art my goddess; to thy law/My services are bound.’ - Edm appealing to animal law - appetite is the driving force behind all action.
       • urge to satisfy his appetite for his brother’s legitimacy and thereby gain his property and status
         • G & R's comparison to animals is similar to Edm’s allegiance with animal nature - all embody Albany’s sentiment that ‘Humanity must perforce prey on itself, / Like monsters of the deep.’

3. animal imagery

   • Lear speaks to Regan about Goneril’s attitude, he describes it in terms of animal behaviour, ‘Thy sister’s naught. O, Regan, she hath tied / Sharp -toothed unkindness, like a vulture, here.’
   • Albany also speaks of the two sisters in comparison to animals; he calls them, ‘Tigers, not daughters,’ 20 and names Goneril a ‘gilded serpent.’
     • images, tigers, vultures, kites, are of animals who eat other animals, satisfying their hunger at the expense of others.

4. By end of play - ‘natural’ social order is not restored to what it was at the beginning of the play - only two characters remaining at the end of the play are Edg, K & Alb. - emphasises the disasters that follow disobedience, for all those who died have disobeyed the ’natural’ social order, whereas both Edgar and Albany acted in accordance with it.