The Hobbesian State of War in Shakespeares King Lear.

David Jan Slavicek

• Publisher: GRIN Verlag
• Year: 2005
• eBook ISBN: 9783640072736
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Literature
• Subtopic: English Literary Criticism
• Index: Literature

Seminar paper from the year 2001 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 1, 0 (A), University of Zurich, language: English, abstract: Imagine a kingdom fractured, a king undone, and a descent into primal chaos mirroring the darkest corners of human nature. This incisive exploration delves into the political underpinnings of Shakespeare's King Lear, drawing startling parallels with Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan and his chilling vision of the state of nature. Uncover how Lear's rash division of his realm ignites a Hobbesian "warre of every man against every man, " where self-interest, mistrust, and the relentless pursuit of power eclipse justice and compassion. Journey into a world stripped bare of societal constructs, where characters grapple with the base instincts of survival, mirroring Hobbes' assertion of a life that is "solitary, poore, nasty, brutish, and short." Witness the tragic consequences of dismantling the "Leviathan, " the absolute sovereign, as Lear's kingdom spirals into anarchy, exposing the fragility of civilization and the ever-present potential for humanity to descend into savagery. Explore the themes of power, justice, and the human condition through a fresh lens, revealing King Lear not just as a familial tragedy, but as a profound political commentary on the necessity of a strong, centralized state. Discover how Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece serves as a cautionary tale, resonating with contemporary issues of political instability, the breakdown of social order, and the enduring struggle between idealism and realism in the international arena. This book offers a compelling interpretation of King Lear as a justification for absolutism, inviting readers to reconsider the play's message and its relevance to our world today, providing new insights into political philosophy, Shakespearean tragedy, and the enduring debate about human nature and the social contract in political thought. Examine the intricate web of mistrust, fear, and paranoia that consumes the characters, reflecting Hobbes' depiction of a world without law or order, where only force and fraud prevail. Witness the brutal consequences of unchecked ambition and the devastating impact of political miscalculation, as the play lays bare the precariousness of peace and the enduring threat of societal collapse, offering a stark reminder of the importance of law, order, and a strong sovereign in maintaining stability and preventing the descent into chaos, relevant to political science, literary criticism, and philosophy.