Transcending The Classical And Modern Natural Right

Politics is a crucial topic among Shakespeare’s major concerns and his contemplation over it has extended from the earlier historical dramas to the tragedies.This thesis aims to analyze the old and new generations as well as the ideas they represent in King Lear to explore Shakespeare’s ideal political leader.King Lear,centering on monarchical power,relates the increasing conflicts between two generations.One is the crack in the old order represented by Lear and Gloucester whose domination is based on traditional morality,whereas in such an upside-down world of everlasting change,the new order has not been created yet and nihilism and skepticism prevail.The other is the younger generation of Cordelia,Edmund,and Edgar who represent different solutions.Cordelia’s fidelity to bond and truth is an emblem of the traditional virtues,whereas her banishment and death reveal the disillusionment of the classical ideal.Edmund,as Machiavelli’s hypocritical new prince,abandons traditional morality-based politics and foregrounds power as his political foundation.His failure indicates the disenchantment of Machiavelli’s political ideal.Edgar possesses the kindness and pity of Cordelia and exerts feeling and disguise to protect himself during his suffering,transcending both Cordelia and Edmund.His success demonstrates Shakespeare’s endorsement of this type of political leader.Like Hal in Henry Ⅳ,Edgar represents Shakespeare’s response to classical political ideal and Machiavellianism: breaking through the limits of classical virtues,knowing evil powers,and maintaining justice against the dark forces,which is the humanistic ideal of Shakespeare.