King Lear Essay

The portrayed role of major power widely varies amidst Shakespeares poof Lear and Sophocles Oedipus Rex as each has in truth disparate barbeles to the position. As the plays continue however we post overly draw similarities between Oedipus and index Lear. As we begin with the play Oedipus Rex we realise our early impressions of the Oedipus from the way he addresses his plurality, we straight off acquire his paternal leading all overture with as he addresses his population as My children, this is master(prenominal) to the reader/ auditory modality as it helps us see that he takes responsibility and sees importance in defend his people.He also exhibitions that in that respect is no distance between him and his people when he says I hear prayers for the sick this is important as it shows that not unaccompanied does he hear the calls for help which shows he is in close contact only he also shows he is a hands on might as he reacted to it and is loo index to help .We sack up compare this to the leading of power Lear who in the opening that the magnate has a less enthusiastic approach to his region, we learn this from the conversation from Kent and Gloucester, the division of the female monarchdom shows there is far from the closeness that is undergo in Thebes, by dividing the kingdom the magnate is creating a competitive environment and weakens the soil considerably, this being express we can see that big businessman Lear is not the ideal leader.The following(a) indication of a cheeseparing king is how his people address him, with the two kings it is very different indeed, by mannering at the Priest who acts as the representative of the people of Thebes we learn a great deal. instantly we can see that the fact the non-Christian priest has approached the king he as effrontery that the calls for help provide be heard.The priests spend of language is important to understand Oedipus as a king, wallowing aimlessly in a sea of bl ood is an obvious over exaggeration nevertheless it also countrys that they look to the king as a guide, the invent wallowing suggests aimless movements, Oedipus is the obvious champion of solicitude for Thebes, this responsibility is placed upon the king is greatly informing as without reading on we can safely assume the king has before been in the position where he has to direct his kingdom and been successful and has gained the paying attention and confidence of his people.To measure Oedipus leadership we can again compare it to that of King Lear, by rights off we have seen his wishes to split his country and his words our darker purpose suggests secretive acts from his people and that he has ulterior motives. We also see that Lear is preparation for his early retirement, this is another indication of a poor King, it was well-knitly believed that Kings were appointed by God and therefore could only be freed of the burden by God, a King who makes actions to use up his rol e is performing not only against his people but also his faith, this highlights the scale of his selfishness and terrible leadership. talking to is of high relevance to the portrayal of Oedipus as a King, the praise directed at him by the Priest is very kindle to note when comparing the two Kings with regards to what is the right and wrong way to rule a kingdom. It becomes clear to the audience that Oedipus adopts a representative ruling as the priest says if we take away in context this is highly powerful as democracy is a fairly modern concept and for Greece and Oedipus to have already created such methods shows great innovation and godforsaken consideration for their people.To strengthen the abnormality of cock-a-hoop people choice we only take up to look again to the Shakespeares King Lear, as he divides his kingdom there is no consideration for peoples choice and wishes, unburthened crawl towards death shows his wavering to face up to his responsibilities as a King to protect his people and control a united nation, instead he is too besotted with personal gain, he splits his nation without regard for his people but also on a small scale he splits his family, which of you shall we say doth drive in us most?This openly creates conflict, creates divisions between his daughters which is the same effect his choice will have on his kingdom. A make headway exemplification of Oedipus as a strong king comes when the Priest claims he is good at the business of the state and has a mind that touches eternity, not only does this show he is very wise, has knowledge beyond measure but it shows that he does not just enjoy the glamorous fount of his role, he understands and appreciates the importance of the business of the state to the smooth running of his kingdom.This being said however we do learn of a slight irrationality of Oedipus where the audience is told that he sends his brother to look to the Gods for answers as to what he should do, despite the fact he operates a particularly strong democratic carcass for its time and has the people of Theses backing with every(prenominal) word and decision it seems highly surprise he leaves decisions to fate. This particular area is the only common ground that can be found between Oedipus and King Lear, redden though King Lear blatantly shows fine logic, as can be seen where he divides his kingdom in attempt to involve it together.Another example of his lack of causal agent and logic shows itself as he first banishes his youngest most loved daughter Cordelia as he coldly says she is a curious to my heart, this is a prime example of the weak King but also character Lear is, as twain a king and father he enjoys the flattering as he demands the daughters to tell him who loves him more than and when he hears an answer which he doesnt like he reacts irrationally and banishes Cordelia from his nation that he was once willing to give the larger share to only if she flattered him.Simi larly, a voice of reason and logic comes through Kent but he is halted by King Lear as he threatens Kent with his life by saying Kent, on thy life, no more again this is an example of his poor skills when in confrontation, Kent tries to make King Lear see sense but by saying something he doesnt want to hear he is threatened with his life. There are more techniques used by both Shakespeare and Sophocles which both display examples of ruling, from the democratic Oedipus to the irrational leadership of King Lear.