Essay on King Lear is a Christian Play About a Pagan World

King Lear is a Christian Play About a Pagan World It is evident that King Lear contains references to both the Christian and Pagan doctrine. However, they seem to be expressed in entirely different styles. King Lear is purposefully set in a pre Christian era with numerous references to classical Gods but conversely there appears to be a striking resonance of Christian theology throughout the play. These echoes appear in various forms including the idea of Edgar being a Christ-like figure and also the presence of a supposed divine justice. Therefore there is truth in the view that although King Lear has a pagan setting, its significance is ultimately relating to Christianity. Perhaps the most†¦show more content†¦One form of this is the repetition of reference and request to the gods as disciplinary beings. Critics have commented particularly on the similarity of Lears sufferings to those experienced by Job in the Bible. There are also some quotes that have biblical connotations such as Coredlias, O dear father It is thy business that I go about. There are other devices used in the play that may not have overt doctrinal messages but can be deduced as relating to the Bible. Such as the storm seeming somewhat apocalyptic and Lear wearing a crown of thorns and thus resembling Jesus. Another theme which once explored can help with understanding the religious qualities of King Lear is that of divine justice. It is clear that sinning is punished in the play. Evil may triumph for a time and cause immense suffering but within itself it carries the seeds of its own destruction and therefore will eventually fail. This point is most obviously shown through the actions of the two sisters. Goneril and Regan use their wicked ways to gain power over the land and their father but in the end their intense suspicion of each other results their demise. 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