In the very first scene of King Lear Lear asks his daughters the measure of their love. The older sisters try to outdo each other in the hyperbolic humungousness of their lover, but the youngest Cordelia can only manage to assert "Nothing, my Lord." Lear, not quite believing his ears retorts "Nothing?" Cordelia affirms her original "nothing" to which Lear responds "Nothing comes from nothing"(1.1.96-99). In rapid success we have five mentions of "nothing" that begins a veritable feast through out the play. What do you make of the use of "nothing" in this scene? Does it reflect a similar use of "nothing" in other parts of the play? Is nothingness a theme of this play? Why make such a big deal out of "nothing"?
In Williams Shakespeares’ play "King Lear" the concept of nothingness is an integral part of the play. In the play "King Lear" the concept of nothingness is an integral part of the play, showing different people see the word "nothing" as very different things. When asked to express how much she loves her father in quite literally the 1st scene she says, "nothing” showing that her love can’t be quantified or shown in simple flattery with words. Obviously, as a father and nothing more. This causes the main strife within the play as Lear lets his pride and misjudgment get in the way. This “nothing” is a huge deal because it causes her to get disowned. Lear in his madness understand the words as something else. Taking nothing to mean that she doesn’t love him at all. This causes him to say the famous line of, “Nothing will come from nothing.” (I.I. 99) This shows that this is his final reaction to her statement earlier, and shows that loyalty only matters if it’s spoken plainly, and he doesn’t want the truth if it doesn’t glorify him. The line is also foreshadowing of what comes later in the play. The 1st nothing being that of his kingdom disappearing, and his family all dying around him. The nothing that it comes from is his lack of ability to see beyond base affections. Nothing comes around later during the storm when his health is not doing so great. He realizes that he himself is nothing, as he is just a person. Thus, nothing is both literal in the stripping away of his wealth, and something deeper on an understand that he doesn’t truly matter.
ReplyDeleteIn the Shakespearean play, "King Lear", "Nothing" is used both as a driving plot point as well as a characterization of Lear, showing his views of himself and his greater place in the world. There's a popular saying, "Ashes to Ash, dust to dust." this saying is similar to that of Lear in beginning scene, who claims to his daughter that "Nothing will come from nothing." (1.1.99). This claim is meant to state that putting no effort in will give you nothing in return. However, it could also be interpreted as a view of life. "Nothing will come from nothing" can be seen as a statement about life itself. This is backed up by the fact that many of the characters that die in the play itself, such as Lear, Edmund, and the Fool, are all referred to as "nothing" in the play at some point or other. This can almost be seen as a condemnation of death, with the realization that they are "nothing" setting up their death later on in the play. Despite this, Lear continues to preach it until the end, saying "Death, traitor! Nothing could have subdued nature /To such a lowness but his unkind daughters." (3.4.76-7). This quote especially shows the significance of nothing as a writing tool. Shakespeare uses it as a combatant to what Lear calls "nature", which in other terms could be called the human spirit. This is backed via the multitude of suicides by characters called "nothing" such as Goneril who kills himself after Regan's death or Lear who simply dies of a broken heart near the end. "Nothing" is the absence of will to continue and is the killer behind the scenes of many characters.
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ReplyDeleteIn the opening scene of "King Lear," Shakespeare utilizes the concept of "nothing" as a thematic cornerstone, setting the stage for the play's exploration of deception, betrayal, and the absence of genuine love. Lear's demand for his daughters to quantify their love initiates a cascade of exaggerated declarations from Goneril and Regan, contrasting sharply with Cordelia's honest but seemingly inadequate response, "Nothing, my Lord." Lear's incredulity at Cordelia's answer underscores his inability to comprehend genuine affection devoid of flattery or exaggeration. His retort, "Nothing comes from nothing," encapsulates his belief that love must be reciprocated with grandiose declarations to be valid, highlighting his misunderstanding of authentic emotional connections. Throughout the play, "nothing" recurs as a motif symbolizing the emptiness and betrayal that permeate Lear's world. Cordelia's refusal to engage in falsehoods ultimately leads to her disinheritance and exile, emphasizing the consequences of embracing honesty in a deceitful society. The motif of "nothing" extends beyond the first scene, resonating in Lear's descent into madness, the breakdown of familial bonds, and the desolation of the kingdom. It serves as a commentary on the short nature of power and the hollowness of material wealth compared to genuine human connection. Shakespeare's exploration of "nothing" delves into the complexities of truth, illusion, and the inherent value of sincerity in a world consumed by deceit. By making "nothing" a central theme, Shakespeare prompts reflection on the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the enduring significance of genuine love and integrity.