Justice and Injustice in King Lear

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Part 3 – Analysis of Justice The theme of justice is prominent in King Lear, and conveyed across a number of situations and characters. Ultimately the idea of justice, is represented as a didactic idea aimed at warning audiences against undertaking immoral actions as justice will always be served. This is mostly seen in relation to many of the characters in the play. The theme of justice, being served to those that take immoral actions is evident between Edgar and Edmund and Goneril and Regan. The quote “[…] Well, then, Legitimate Edgar. I must have your land: Our father’s love is to the bastard Edmund […]” explains and shows Edmund committing his immoral action towards his father and brother. Near the end of the play “Thou hast spoken right, ‘tis true; The wheel is come full circle: I am here.” then goes on to explain to us that ‘the wheel of fortune’ has turned and justice been served to Edmund for his immoral action. Evidently both Goneril and Regan commit the immoral act of taking advantage of their father’s age and taking everything they can, “The best and soundest of his time hath been but rash; then must we look to receive from his age” . Ultimately justice is served upon both and they end up dead. Lear and Gloucester both have different views on justice. In the eyes of Gloucester, justice is something that does not exist in the world. When Gloucester says “As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods, They kill us for their sport.” he tries to tell us that the ‘gods’ (not just one god, but many) are not only indifferent to human suffering but are excessively cruel, which causes human misery easily. To Lear, justice is something that the ‘gods’ give for immoral actions. ”[…] O heavens! If you do love old men, if your sweet sway, Show obedience, if you yourselves are old, Make it your cause. Send down, and take my part!” shows us that Lear is asking the
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