Pridefulness

     In the beginning of Act 4 Scene 1 Edgar makes the comment, "Yet better thus, and known to be contemn'd, than still contemn'd and flatter'd." I find this quote important because it is the realization that it is better to be hated on and know about it than be hated on behind your back. This goes back to the idea that if you have something to say about someone you should tell them straight to their face. I think this is an important concept especially in this book because of King Leer constantly wanting to be praised. He even takes it the extent to make his daughter praise him in order to get land for him. I feel this book will constantly come back to this concept because of King Leer's prideful personality. This is seen in modern days as not talking behind someones back. King Leer wants constant praise but in reality people probably dislike him and talk about their dislike for his behind his back. This quote is saying that it is better to be hated to your face than flattered to your face and hated behind your back. This is a concept King Leer will have to face and deal with throughout the book.


I commented on Abigale Bell's and Ashlyn Scism's post.

Comments

  1. Ian BlairAugust 30, 2021 at 5:08 PM

    Pridefulness has often been the downfall of many "great" warriors, generals, and dynasties, so it's no wonder why Shakespeare has centered the play around that theme of having confidence versus cockiness. I'd wager that Lear may not end up learning the lesson you mentioned before it is too late for him. Perhaps the next ruler will have learned something from the events of the first four acts? I suppose time will tell.

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  2. Emily OttsAugust 30, 2021 at 6:14 PM

    King Lear's pride is honestly the start of this whole mess that happens. It reminds me of Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Because of his pride making him want to hear such nice lies about himself, it leads him down an awful path.

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