Human Suffering in Inferno and King Lear Essay example

Both Shakespeare’s King Lear and Dante’s Inferno explore the reasons for, and results of, human suffering. Each work postulates that human suffering comes as a result of choices that are made: A statement that is not only applicable to the characters in each of the works, but also to the readers. The Inferno and King Lear speak universal truths about the human condition: that suffering is inevitable and unavoidable. While both King Lear and the Inferno concentrate on admonitions and lamentations of human suffering, one of the key differences between the works is that Inferno conveys an aspect of hope that is not nearly as prevalent in King Lear. Through Lear, Shakespeare expertly portrays the inevitability of human suffering. The â€Å"little†¦show more content†¦By not recognizing their own hands in the events taking place, Lear and Gloucester cause additional turmoil for themselves and those around them. Similarly, in Inferno, Capaneus is a man whose punishment comes as a result of his own defiance. Zeus struck down Capaneus for defying a prophecy stating that he would not conquer the city of Thebes. As a result of his arrogance, Capaneus’ anger becomes his own punishment: â€Å"O Capaneus, since your blustering pride will not be stilled, you are made to suffer more: no torment other than your rage itself could punish your gnawing pride more perfectly† (Dante 198). Capaneus remains defiant of the Gods, and is one of the only sinners to do so, even as he lies in hell with the other blasphemers: â€Å"What I once was, alive, I still am, dead!† (Dante 197). Both Lear and Capaneus show repeated instances of hubris and stubbornness throughout their respective stories, and both fail to see their own faults. Each was forewarned about the consequences of his actions, yet each traveled down the path that would bring them the most suffering in spite of that knowledge. In this way, the idea of contrapasso can be applied to both works. The contrapasso stands as a constant reminder for our sins, and there is no torment like remembering past mistakes and knowing that nothing can undo what was done. Each sinner has his or her own special punishment related to the crime orShow MoreRelatedEssay on King Lear/Inferno1246 Words   |  5 PagesAssignment #2 (Inferno / King Lear) Both Shakespeare’s King Lear and Dante’s Inferno explore the reasons for and results of human suffering. Both works postulate that human suffering comes as a result of choices that are made. That statement is not only applicable to the characters in each of the works, but also to the readers. The Inferno and King Lear speak universal truths about the human condition: that suffering is inevitable and unavoidable. While both King Lear and the Inferno concentrate onRead MoreDante s Inferno And Shakespeare s King Essay1550 Words   |  7 PagesHuman beings too often avert their eyes from suffering. We choose to avoid the afflictions of ourselves and others in an attempt to deny the necessary evils within humanity. By not confronting the truths surrounding the worst in us, however, we become ignorant of a vital and possibly beneficial aspect of human nature. Both Dante’s Inferno and Shakespeare’s King Lear seek to bring attention to human suffering, illustrat ing our griefs and sorrows as consequences of our own agency. This pain that weRead MoreComparing Dante s Inferno And Shakespeare s Play King Lear1606 Words   |  7 PagesDante’s Inferno and Shakespeare’s play King Lear have many similar motifs within them that allude to human suffering. One such motif is as long as you can find the words to describe how bad a situation is, things can get worse. We see this concept in Dante’s Inferno when Dante the Pilgrim is traveling deeper into the depths of hell and he exclaims, â€Å"If I had words grating and crude enough that really could describe this horrid hole†¦I could squeeze out the juice of my memories to the last drop. ButRead MoreExamples Of Punishments In Dantes Inferno1187 Words   |  5 PagesDantes Inferno explores the nature of human suffering through a precautionary light. As Dante and Virgil move through the Inferno, Dante sees what has become of people who overindulged in things such as, lust, gl uttony, violence, and bribery. Few of the punishments described in the Inferno have a direct correlation to the sin that the souls committed while they were living. Rather, they are a representation of what happens when we commit those crimes against ourselves and others. We create hellsRead MoreThe Epic Of Inferno And William Shakespeare s Play King Lear1347 Words   |  6 Pages Dante Alighieri’s epic poem Inferno and William Shakespeare’s play King Lear are works that examine human suffering. They delve into the very depths of the good and bad of mankind through the lives of various characters. Two characters in particular, Dante the Pilgrim from Inferno and Edmund from King Lear suffer from the corruption of their societies, but in time, they each come to realize their own hand in their sufferings. The characters begin their stories with desires to end their pain,