Justice Vs. Mercy

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ESSAY: “We do pray for mercy; And that same prayer doth teach us all to render the deeds of mercy.” (William Shakespeare) The age-old debate continues as to whether justice or mercy deserves to prevail in society; Shakespeare’s King Lear proves to be quite effective in helping us reach an ultimatum on this issue. Does not each man pray for mercy rather than punishment? In the heat of the moment, one may feel that justice must be meted out generously; however, delving deeper into examples presented in King Lear proves this idea largely incorrect. When justice is allowed to reign unbridled with mercy, tyranny and destruction results. This exposé will analyze Shakespeare’s King Lear to provide factual evidence as to why mercy must triumph over justice. Mercy is a conscious action that results in the Divine qualities of forgiveness, acceptance, and restoration. Just as every man desires mercy for actions that he has committed, so also he must be willing to grant mercy to those who entreat it. In Act IV, scene vii, King Lear experiences unconditional mercy at the hands of his banished daughter, Cordelia: “O my dear father, restoration hang / Thy medicine on my lips, and let this kiss / Repair those violent harms that my two sisters / Have in thy reverence made.” (IV vii 26-29) Obviously, instead of condemning her father, Cordelia forgives him and even attempts to restore him to his previous position as king. This is the Divine blessing of mercy; in essence, “mercy is not receiving what we do deserve.” (Our Daily Bread, July 12, 1998 issue) Man’s natural inclination is to mete out justice liberally – as King Lear was wont to do in the beginning of the play. However, in most cases a simple act of mercy and forgiveness turns one’s life around. Gloucester, having been deceived by the subtle Edmund, had sought to kill his loyal son, Edgar. When Edgar was

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