The Adversity Faced in King Lear

King Lear contains many examples of adversity, however there is a specific instance of two characters in similar and unfortunate circumstances. Despite the similarity, one fails in the face of his misfortunes while the other prevails. 

Lear is essentially a story of two aged fathers suffering at the hands of the children they thought they knew and trusted. In part, the suffering they experience they have brought upon themselves, as though they are paying for not genuinely understanding their family. King Lear illogically sends away the only one of his daughters that sincerely cares for him, and puts himself at the mercy of the eldest (and most heartless) of his three girls. Lear's unreasonable actions result in his homelessness, as his cunning daughters refuse to take responsibility for him. Gloucester endures a similar situation. His illegitimate son, Edmund, jealously plots against his legitimate counterpart, Edgar, and convinces Gloucester that Edgar plots to assassinate his father. Laying his trust with his treacherous son, Gloucester forces Edgar into hiding. Lear and Gloucester's homelessness becomes even more tragic when Lear loses his mind and Gloucester is blinded. They experience equal adversity, however there is disparity in their reactions to it. 

Gloucester, in a round-about manner, becomes reunited with his son Edgar, who is in disguise. As Gloucester prepares to take his own life, Edgar employs a harmless white lie, and convinces Gloucester of his worth. Gloucester declares: “I do remember now. Henceforth I’ll bear the Affliction until it do cry out itself “Enough, enough!” and die.” (4.6.93-95). Gloucester prevails in the face of adversity and pain with the help of his devoted son. 

Lear is not quite so reformed by his suffering as he bears it mostly in solitude. His daughter Cordelia frantically searches the countryside for her troubled father, but is unable to console him in the manner Edgar did for his father. 

Gloucester and Edgar illustrate that adversity is bearable with companionship. Perhaps adversity is easier to overcome when the sufferer has someone to be brave for.