William Shakespeare's tragic works are notably characterized by the
hamartia of their protagonists. This tragic flaw is a defect in character
that brings about an error in action, eventually leading to the characters
imminent downfall. In Shakespeare's King Lear, written in 1606, the King's
hamartia proves to be his extreme rashness, which results in the loss of
most everything that he holds dear, including his authority, his affluence
and his family. The reasons for his downfall lie within the flaws of his
own character, made evident by his insatiable need for flattery and his
Lear's hamartia is primarily exposed through his unappeasable need for
self-appraisal. His narcissistic conduct is brought on by his need for
flattery and is the reason for his vulnerability to extreme reaction. As
Lear seeks self-appraisal in the first act, he is gravely disappointed in
his youngest daughter's response: "... I cannot heave My heart into my
mouth. I love your majesty According to my bond, no more nor less."
(I.i.90-92) Her sheer honesty and refusal to give in to his test expose the
King's tragic flaw, as he acts rashly in banishing Cordelia along with his
loyal friend Kent. Not only is Lear insulted by her refusal of appraisal,
but his vanity inhibits him from being reasonable as he cannot accept that
his daughter does not love him more than a daughter ought love her father.
Lear tragically misinterprets reality and his injured pride leads him to
anger, causing him to act without contemplation. The King's unbridled fury
leads to his unbearable suffering as it unfolds through further action.
Through the effect of his hamartia, the King acts without reason and
consequently loses his most beloved daughter.
Lear's insatiable need for flattery exposes his enormous ego, as he
acts without thought and makes choices that are detrimental to his
sovereignty. Since King Lear is a character with an in...