King Lear And King Lear Comparison

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Over the course of thousands of years, respectable as well as corrupt rulers have reigned over England. The year of 1603 marks the year that King James I ascended to the throne in England, which is also the year that Shakespeare’s King Lear was written. The ruling of King James I and King Lear parallel each other, creating New Historicism. Both kings believed their right as monarch was to have absolute rule, which concerned both the population and the people close to each. Each king felt almighty and godly, causing tensions between different bodies in society. ..King Lear and King James I of England both represent a monarch whose arrogance and egotistical attributes hinder their ruling, shown through the way they act in the government, …show more content…

In 1603, Shakespeare wrote King Lear, and, intentionally or not, paralleled the ruling of Lear to King James I. King James created 100 knights during his reign (“The British Monarchy”); much like King Lear had 100 rowdy knights that came along with him. Despite his knights, King James had many issues with the Parliament. Because he was used to lawless ruling in Scotland, the Parliament posed a threat to his ruling. His “fondness in lecturing” (Mathew) the Parliament on spending money on granting taxes rather than allowing him to spend the money soon led to tensions between the two bodies. “His extravagant spending habits and nonchalant ignoring of the nobility 's grievances kept king and Parliament constantly at odds” (Mathew). The aversion between the two creates a strain that reveals the king’s true self interest and his lack of care for the people and his own workers. Likewise, King Lear treats his servant Kent poorly. When Kent tries to help the king from making a dreadful decision, he is immediately banished. “Away! By Jupiter, / This shall not be revoked” (Shakespeare 19). Even after Kent proves his loyalty and dedication, Lear’s self-involvement proves his lack of respect for his own worker, much like King James showed to Parliament. Although Kent constantly supports Lear, King Lear looks out for only himself. In that situation, he felt betrayed by Cordelia as she would not gush over her love for him. Therefore, Kent supporting Cordelia led to Lear’s

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