Discuss the ideas developed by William Shakespeare, in King Lear, about how an individual's sense of obligation determines his/her perception of honour.
To discuss the ideas developed by William Shakespeare regarding how an individual's sense of obligation determines his/her perception of honor in King Lear, we need to first understand the play's plot and characters. King Lear is a tragedy that explores themes of power, loyalty, madness, and honor.
In the beginning, Lear, the aging King of Britain, decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on their declarations of love for him. Goneril and Regan, the older daughters, flatter Lear with extravagant and insincere praise, while Cordelia, the youngest and Lear's favorite, refuses to participate in this charade. Lear, blinded by his own ego, banishes Cordelia from the kingdom.
Here, Shakespeare establishes the idea that an individual's sense of obligation, in this case, the daughters' supposed duty to their father, influences their perception of honor. Goneril and Regan prioritize their personal gain and flattery over their genuine love for their father, deceptively claiming to have his best interests at heart. On the other hand, Cordelia, with her true sense of loyalty and honesty, refuses to engage in empty declarations to fulfill a sense of obligation, valuing honor above self-interest.
As the play progresses, Goneril and Regan's lack of genuine obligation to their father is revealed as they mistreat Lear and seize power for themselves. Their perception of honor is based on deceit and manipulation, leading to their dishonorable actions. Conversely, Cordelia's unwavering sense of obligation, rooted in her genuine love and respect for her father, remains intact despite his rejection. This demonstrates how an individual's sense of obligation can determine their perception of honor, either leading them to honorable or dishonorable actions.
Moreover, another character, Edmund, embodies the opposite end of the spectrum. Edmund is an illegitimate son who feels society has unjustly overlooked him due to his birth. He exploits his sense of obligation to society by creating chaos to achieve power and influence. His perception of honor is self-serving and manipulative, leading him to betray his family and commit heinous acts.
Shakespeare's exploration of obligation and honor in King Lear illuminates that an individual's sense of duty and obligation shapes their perception and pursuit of honor. True honor, as exemplified by characters like Cordelia, is rooted in genuine love, loyalty, and honesty. On the other hand, a misguided sense of obligation can lead to dishonorable actions, exemplified by characters like Goneril, Regan, and Edmund.
In conclusion, William Shakespeare's King Lear delves into the relationship between an individual's sense of obligation and their perception of honor. Through the characters' actions, Shakespeare highlights the importance of genuine loyalty, love, and honesty in determining one's perception of honor, contrasting them with deceit, manipulation, and self-serving actions. Exploring the play reveals deeper insights into Shakespeare's ideas on these themes.