The Nature of Loyalty Essay - 669 Words

The Nature of Loyalty In the play King Lear, Shakespeare presents the reader with many negative views of society, and of human nature. One of the few bright spots in the play is Kent, a very loyal and honest man. Through Kent and his actions, Shakespeare shows the reader the nature of true loyalty. Kents nature is evident from the very first time he talks to Lear. Lear has begun to detail his disappointment in Cordelia, and announce that he will not be providing her with a dowry. Kent interrupts Lears speech with a cry of Good my liege (Shakespeare 17). This is a very risky move on the part of Kent, as he knows that Lear may not be in a rational state of mind, and may take any disagreeing with him as a challenge. Through this,†¦show more content†¦Kent is also quick to point out that Lear may be making his decision to banish Cordelia due to madness, and not reason. He is brutally honest when he says Be Kent unmannerly When Lear is mad. What wouldst thou do, old man? Thinkest thou that duty shall have dread to speak When power to flattery bows? (Shakespeare 17). This statement show the reader two things about the nature of loyalty. The first is that a truly loyal person is not afraid to use brutal honesty, if thats whats needed to get the point across. This is seen late r on with the Fool, another character who is loyal to Lear, and who is certainly not afraid to be honest with him. The second thing that this statement does is reinforce the point that a truly loyal person is not afraid of the consequences of their actions. Where before Kent was taking a risk by arguing with Lear, he now calls him a crazy old man, which he knows will be taken for an insult. Kent points out that just because Lear is his King, and he is obligated to serve him, it does not mean that he will be afraid to be honest with him when Lear is making a poor decision. Through these actions, Shakespeare shows us that true loyalty is not affected by the amount of power someone has. Through this one small scene, Shakespeare has shown us what is involved in the true nature of loyalty. The loyalty that Kent shows in this scene isShow MoreRelatedHuman Nature In Hamlet737 Words   |  3 Pagesrepresentation of connections, it highlights how the human nature has the power to create links which may strengthen one’s own power or provide protection from others. Shakespeare not only highlights the positive attributes of maintaining relationships but also exposes their negative impacts. Shakespeare exposes how relationships are formed to corrupt the other party. Through the corruption of Hamlet by the ghost, emphasises how the human nature of curiosity can create a situation, where the relationshipRead MoreAnalysis Of Samuel Johnson s Manners And Of Life 921 Words   |  4 Pageseven today, over a hundred years since King Lear was written. 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