Themes: Nature (Leaving Cert English): Revision Notes

Nature

4. Nature: The Varied Interpretations of Natural Order

Key Scenes:

• Act 1, Scene 1: Lear disrupts natural order by unconventionally dividing his kingdom
• Act 2, Scene 4: Lear faces the physical storm that symbolises his tampering with nature
• Act 5, Scene 3: Lear's reconciliation with Cordelia highlights the restorative power of honest, natural bonds The theme of nature is central to "King Lear," reflecting different characters' interpretations and actions. Cordelia, Kent, and Edgar see nature as a harmonious force, embodying loyalty and natural obligations. Gloucester and Lear, despite their initial misguided actions, share this view.

In contrast, Edmund, Goneril, Regan, and Cornwall interpret nature as self-serving and devoid of duty or kinship. Their actions, marked by heartless individualism and betrayal, highlight this contrast. For instance, Edmund's schemes against his legitimate brother Edgar and Regan and Cornwall's refusal to provide hospitality to Lear leave him out in a storm.

Edgar to himself: "Thou, Nature, art my goddess; to thy law / My services are bound."

Lear's attitude towards nature underscores its importance. He believes that if humans only satisfy their basic, animalistic needs without considering higher human values like love, compassion, and dignity, human life is no better than an animal's. This view is illustrated in his statement: "Allow not nature more than nature needs, Man's life is cheap as beast's". The tragedy of Cordelia's death reinforces this theme, as Lear laments: "Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have life, / And thou no breath at all?"

Lear and Gloucester's defiance of natural bonds leads to severe consequences, symbolised by Lear's madness and Gloucester's blindness, representing their journey to self-awareness and nature's retribution. Characters like Goneril and Regan demonstrate the extreme consequences of rejecting natural affection, ultimately leading to their downfall. Cordelia's role in the play restores natural order and moral balance, redeeming humanity and demonstrating the positive aspects of human nature amidst the surrounding corruption: "Thou hast one daughter who redeems nature from the general curse which twain have brought her to."