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King Lear Madness Essay

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The cause of mental illness has been a vital mystery from ancient times, and remains to be so even today. Being possessed by spirits and ungodliness is the main issue that attributes to the source of mental illness of which Lear is no exception. Lear’s madness starts to be recognized when he and Cordelia are captured together. His madness continues to persist as he envisions a nursery in prison, preferring Cordelia’s existence solely for him. It’s after the death of Cordelia that the fantasy of maternal care ultimately fades away. He is exposed speaking his fears that he is sliding into madness, “O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven! Keep me in temper; I would not be mad…” (1.5.45-46). Even if it’s very difficult to determine situations where Lear becomes mad, his abnormal behaviors, unreserved exhibition thoughts, and the extreme irritability are just a few factors …show more content…
It has been noted however, that his actions are barely like those of parents who have never adjusted to their grown-up children. He says, “I loved her most and thought to set my rest on her kind nursery (to Cordelia). Hence and avoid my sight…” (1.1.137-39). Factually, the confusion and fear of becoming mad are rare in those people who are suffering from mental disorders like dementia. Without a doubt, the madness of Lear is clearly obvious to others, and as well as to himself. At one point, Cordelia hears of his wanderings on the moor on the severe storm, and she claims “Alack, ‘tis he! Why, he was met even now, as mad as the vexed sea, singing aloud, crowned with rank fumiter and furrow-weeds…” (4.4.1-3). A further instance of Psychotic disorder in Lear is evident in the mock trial of his daughters, where he says; “I'll see their trial first. Bring in their evidence (To Edgar). Thou robed man of justice, take thy place…”

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