King Leer

As I read Shakespeare’s tragedy, King Leer, I was once again shocked at the complexity of the subplot, but also of how all of Shakespeare’s plays seem to be similar to some aspect of life that I can relate to. This story, in fact, left me with similar feeling that The Death of Ivan Illyich, due to the fact that it was the end of an old man’s life, and he was so wrapped up in his work he could not see the important things in life. King Leer, on the other hand, was not blinded by his work but instead by his vanity in the beginning of the play.

When Leer asked his daughters to shower him with praise for a better piece of land, I found myself with almost as bitter of a taste in my mouth as Cordelia. Cordelia refused to do something for her father because of the deep love she felt for him. Anyone who attempted to advise Leer about his actions (such as Kent) were severely punished. As Cordelia stood up for herself in front of her father, even as he was billowing curses in her name. At this point in the play, Leer is so caught up in himself that he can not make decisions clearly. I wonder what he must have been like as a king if he let his vanity be caught up in his decision of how the kingdom was divided. It is amazing that he was even held in any regard by his advisors. Leer was unable to decide the proper course for his kingdom’s fate because he wants to hear how wonderful he is.

Kent is one of King Leer’s most devoted and noble advisors, yet he is not afraid to speak his mind for the betterment of the kingdom and Leer’s fate. When Kent realizes that Leer is making an incredible mistake by banishing Cordelia and placing Reagan and Goneril in control instead, Kent says something. Instead of being rewarded for his excellent advice, Kent is punished for disagreeing with the king. I wonder if Leer had not become slightly senile and already begun to lost his mind at the beginning of the play. If he was such a well loved king, these sorts of decisions would never have been acceptable.

King Leer is a perfect example of what happens to older people. Sometimes they revert back to their childish ways, leaving their children to care for them. This is especially true for Leer. All he wants to hear is how wonderful he is, and then he will give you anything. King Leer is a wonderful play, with an incredible plot. (445)