Thursday, January 24, 2013

What would be a universal thesis about "status" that would allow for an insightful examination of King Lear?

The term "status" is very broad, but when considered
within the context of the play, the ideas of social status and political status come to
mind. Numerous characters, especially Lear and Cordelia, experience profound changes in
social and political status during the drama; how these changes affect them and
determine their courses of action develop the main plot and contribute greatly to the
themes of the play. Other characters, as well, are developed in relation to their status
in society and their political power, or lack of it. One universal thesis you might
consider, based on the characters' actions, would be
this:



Social
and political status do not determine moral integrity or the value of a human
being.



This thesis could be
supported by examining the characters in King Lear in terms of
their thoughts and behaviors. Holding high social status and wielding political power do
not guarantee moral behavior, but they do not always exclude it, either; genuine
humanity exists apart from one's status.

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