Theme Of Catharsis In King Lear

King Lear is one of the most complex Shakespeare’s tragedies, borrowing its tragic elements from several types of tragedies popular during the Elizabethan Renaissance. The play highlights a flawed character and the impact of fate and free choice, and the protagonist’s realisation of the consequences of his mistakes. Finally, tragedy ruins the hero, results in his downfall and leads to catharsis. Lear, because of his flaws, loses his authority as a king, his identity as a father, and his sanity. Unlike other tragedies, there is no salvation for the tragic hero or any sign of optimism in the conclusion, but the audience recognises the restoration of moral order. Hence, in King Lear, the audience is presented with the classical elements of tragedy:

As Lear realizes his weakness and insignificance in comparison to the awesome forces of the natural world, he becomes a humble and caring individual. He gains an understanding of the flattery and wickedness of his daughters and realises that he is a “foolish fond old man”(King Lear, Act 4, scene 3,60). Ironically, Lear’s descent to madness makes him realise his weaknesses and he becomes brave in the presence of cruelty. Falseness, cruelty and injustice swirl about him, “which is the justice, which is the thief” (King Lear, Act 4, scene 3,120), but his instinct is to face it. The grandeur of his spirit is evident during the storm scene where he moves from worrying about things that only affect him to pondering the plight of others. Suffering himself, he feels ashamed for his neglect of the poor and needy; “Poor naked wretches, whereso 'er you are, That bide the pelting of this pitiless storm,…and show the heavens more just”(King Lear, Act 3, scene 4, 33-41). Following the mental struggles and physical hardships, Lear realises his mistakes and this spiritual regeneration leads to catharsis or the purification of his heart. King Lear’s statement “I am a man/More sinn 'd against than sinning” (King Lear, Act 3, scene 2,49-60) and his despairing question of “why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have life, and [Cordelia] no breath at all?” (King Lear, Act 5, scene 3,276) bring a sense of sadness and a feeling perhaps justice has gone too far in terms of Lear’s punishment. When Lear emerges carrying Cordelia’s body with his “howl, howl, howl, howl” (King Lear, Act 6, scene 3,256) of despair, the tragedy is so profound and the audience agrees with Kent’s question