Although it is never too late to learn, those lessons learned in old age are often the most difficult and the most costly. Following Lear's dispute with Goneril, the Fool tell him, "Thou shoulds't not have been old till thou hads't/ Been wise" [I, v, 43-44]. In William Shakespeare's tragedy King Lear, Lear illustrates that wisdom does not necessarily come with age. The mistakes that Lear make leave him vulnerable to disappointment and suffering at a time in his life where he should be enjoying peace and contentment. This is shown through his rash decisions and his hints of madness throughout the play. Although Lear does achieve wisdom before he dies, he pays a dear price for living his life unwisely.

Right in the beginning of King Lear, Lear is marred by

Ironically he later discovers that Cordelia was the only daughter that really loved him unconditionally.

Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see

When Lear loses the control and respect of his Kingdom, Lear's sanity goes along with it. Lear's madness is obvious during his final conviction: "O Fool, I shall go mad!" [II, iv, 327] Once Lear can no longer command his kingdom, he attempts to rule through a display of weakness, tearing off all of his clothes and reducing himself to a common beggar. Consequently, Lear realizes his mistakes, unfortunately, the price for his actions were too high and ultimately cost him his life. (Quennell and Johnson 161)

2. Shakespeare, William. King Lear. New York: Pocket Books, 1993

1. Quennell, Peter and Johnson, Hanish. Who's who in Shakespeare. Great Britain: Chancell

Some common words found in the essay are:
Lear Lear, Goneril Regan, Kingdom Lear's, Cordelia Kent, Unfortunately Lear's, Quennell Johnson, Wisdom Age, Goneril Fool, Consequently Lear, King Lear, king lear, lear lear, king lear lear, wisdom age,
Approximate Word count = 556
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)