King Lear and the Concept of Adversity

In order to determine what makes certain people succeed in King Lear, it must first be determined who succeeds. Some would argue that there is no one that meets their goals over the course of the play. I think it is important, though, to acknowledge those who are still alive at the end of the play: Edgar and Albany. Both went under disguise and had noble intentions. This is quite important. Edgar was not attempting to wreak havoc, or more importantly, benefit himself. By intending to help others, he profitted himself. Albany behaved likewise, thinking primarily of the King's benefit.

For those characters that did die, which seems to be more than half of the characters of the book, the method of death reveals much about the characters themselves. Goneril killed Regan and then killed herself; both are fitting crimes for the two women. Edmund was murdered as he had intended to murder others. These characters didn't think of the well-being of others, and acted to ruin it. In a way, their deaths are karma. Cordelia, on the other hand, died as a martyr, which is an honorable death. Lear, likewise, died of grief. The two of them were not attacked in the end.

So, essentially, the intentions of the characters reflect back to their success. I'm not sure if I agree entirely with the way this play ended up, because while intentions are indeed reflective of character, it is the actions that truly make one good. While King Lear had decent intentions, there were no redeeming acts about him. I'm sure most students applying to NYU have great intentions, but it is the actions that make the different.

A fighting attitude

I went to the otolaryncologist a few days ago where I was diagnosed with a left SLN weakness, essentially underdeveloped nodes. I recieved a long long list of those things I can and cannot do, the biggest of which being banned from singing for a few weeks. My All-State Choir audition was scheduled for today.

After beating Cherry Creek last night in football, I decided that even if the odds are stacked against you, you have to run for it. I haven't had much practice for the audition, but today, I went out there and gave it everything I had, despite the fact that doctors told me I couldn't. And much like that 41-21 Arapahoe victory last night, I did well.

Sometimes when everything isn't going your way, it's almost better. You know that you have so much to overcome, but you can see that shining picture on the other side. What would happen if you DID do it? And what would happen if you didn't even try?