Does King Lear Play the Tragic Hero, or the Autocrat

A detailed Summary of Does King Lear Play the Tragic Hero, or the Autocrat

Does King Lear Play the Tragic Hero, or the Autocrat?

It is quite possible to make an argument in favour of either answer, an argument that would prove to be quite a debate, although one answer would weigh in favour of the other. To prove this, certain elements would have to be analysed thoroughly, all aspects taken into context and sufficient research done into the matter. This is the only method in which a fair debate of the argument can be taken into consideration.

We can only find the answer to this question if we know what the two arguments mean; this will provide a solid base onto which the rest of the debate can rest, a foundation of fact. Aristotle, a great founder of the definition of tragedy used the word catharsis to describe the effects of true tragedy on the spectator. Aristotle stated that the purpose of tragedy was to invoke pity and terror, and thereby effect the catharsis of these emotions. Other critics see tragedy as a moral lesson in which fear and pity are excited by the tragic hero's fate serve to warn the spectator not to similarly tempt providence. This interpretation is generally accepted that through experiencing fear vicariously in a controlled situation, the spectators own anxieties are direct

As in this argument, the terms of an autocrat have to be observed with some scrutiny to ensure no bias comes into play. The term autocrat, meaning that a person was to rule with unlimited power and resources, and who has undisputed influence or authority, has applied to many rulers, and a prime, and certainly recent authentication of this fact arose in the early 20th Century, in China. During the first half of this century, China saw the gradual disintegration of the old order, a common theme in King Lear, and the turbulent preparation for a new society. The foreign political philosophies of leadership undermined the Chinese system and provoked a mass turnaround for the Chinese government. But they, with their old order firmly engraved into their operating procedures, found it difficult to prepare for democracy. But in this difficulty they had to place an autocrat at the head of state, and leave the revolutionaries with only minor footholds in the political system. This therefore meant that the people were not ready for the relinquishment of a dictatorship, as the people were not experienced in dealing with problems in such a different manor. Such a parallel may be hard to find throughout King Lear, yet alone in any of Shakespeare's works, but certain elements may hold familiarity with minor roles in King Lear.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Hero Autocrat, King Lear, king lear, Century China, Lear Shakespeare's, tragic hero, role king lear, argument favour, role king, tragic flaw, century china,

Approximate Word count = 893
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English