Sympathy in King Lear and Things Fall Apart

Hearts intertwine with fictional fates as readers forge emotional bonds with characters, sharing their triumphs and mourning their losses. Whether a character is deemed worthy or unworthy of sympathy can significantly influence how their narrative is perceived. This essay will examine how characters in William Shakespeare's play "King Lear" and Chinua Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart" are portrayed in terms of their worthiness of sympathy. By analyzing King Lear and Gloucester from "King Lear," alongside Okonkwo and Nwoye from "Things Fall Apart," this essay will explore how these characters' roles and actions elicit sympathy from the audience, despite their flaws and misdeeds.

King Lear: A Tragic Transformation

In Shakespeare's "King Lear," the titular character is initially portrayed as an arrogant, vain, and selfish ruler. His decision to divide his kingdom among his daughters and relinquish his kingship, while still expecting to be treated as a king, sets the stage for the ensuing catastrophe. When Lear demands a declaration of love from his daughters, asking, "Which of you shall we say doth love us most?" (Act I, Scene I), Cordelia's refusal to flatter him leads to her banishment. This act of rashness and pride initially renders Lear undeserving of sympathy, as he appears unable to value genuine affection over superficial flattery.

As the play progresses, however, Lear's character undergoes a profound transformation. Betrayed by his two daughters, Goneril and Regan, who strip him of his power and dignity, Lear's descent into madness is marked by moments of self-awareness. When he states, "My wits begin to turn…. I have one part in my heart that’s sorry yet for thee" (Act III, Scene II), Lear begins to recognize his own flaws and the consequences of his actions. This newfound humility and regret make him more sympathetic, as the audience witnesses his journey from a tyrant to a tragic figure seeking redemption. By the play's end, when Lear cradles the body of his beloved Cordelia, the audience is left with a deep sense of pity for a grieving father who has learned too late the value of true love and loyalty.

Gloucester: A Journey from Ignorance to Enlightenment

Similarly, Gloucester's character in "King Lear" serves as a parallel to Lear himself. Initially, Gloucester is portrayed as gullible and lacking in discernment, easily manipulated by his illegitimate son Edmund. Believing Edmund's deceitful claims about his legitimate son Edgar, Gloucester banishes Edgar, an act of ignorance that initially makes him unworthy of sympathy. This lack of judgment mirrors Lear's own inability to discern sincerity from deceit.

However, Gloucester's journey takes a dramatic turn when he is blinded by Cornwall and Regan for his loyalty to Lear. In this moment of physical and emotional suffering, Regan reveals Edmund's betrayal, and Gloucester's realization of his grave mistake elicits sympathy from the audience. His attempted suicide, driven by despair and regret, further underscores his tragic plight. In the context of Shakespeare's time, suicide was viewed as a grave sin, yet modern audiences may interpret Gloucester's actions as a response to unbearable pain and betrayal, thereby deepening their sympathy for his character.

Okonkwo: A Complex Figure in "Things Fall Apart"

In Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart," the character of Okonkwo is both sympathetic and unsympathetic. Initially introduced as a strong, brave, and prideful leader, Okonkwo's aversion to weakness is rooted in his desire to avoid becoming like his father, whom he views as a failure. His victory over Amalinze the Cat earns him fame and leadership, but his violent and impulsive nature, particularly towards his family, renders him unsympathetic. His harsh treatment of his son Nwoye, who eventually converts to Christianity to escape his father's brutality, highlights Okonkwo's inability to show love and compassion.

Despite Okonkwo's flaws, his life takes a tragic turn when he accidentally kills a clansman and is exiled for seven years, losing his status and wealth. Upon returning, he finds his tribe transformed by colonial influence, driving him to despair and ultimately leading to his suicide. Okonkwo's tragic end evokes sympathy, as his actions, though misguided, stem from a deep-seated desire to protect his family and preserve his cultural heritage. His struggle against the changing world and his own inner demons paints a complex portrait of a man caught between tradition and change.

Nwoye: A Journey of Growth and Pain

Nwoye, Okonkwo's son, emerges as a character worthy of sympathy in "Things Fall Apart." As a child, Nwoye exhibits a gentle and sensitive nature, traits his father despises. Under the influence of Ikemefuna, a surrogate brother and father figure, Nwoye begins to exhibit more masculine traits, which briefly earns him his father's approval. However, the brutal killing of Ikemefuna, sanctioned by Okonkwo, marks a turning point for Nwoye. This traumatic event severs his bond with his father and causes him to question his cultural beliefs.

Nwoye's conversion to Christianity signifies his quest for identity and belonging in a world that has been upended by colonial forces. It also represents a rejection of his father's values, further deepening the rift between them. Nwoye's journey from a boy seeking approval to a young man forging his own path, despite the pain of losing his role model, renders him a deeply sympathetic character. His struggle to reconcile his identity amidst familial and societal pressures speaks to universal themes of growth and self-discovery.

Conclusion: The Complexity of Sympathy

In conclusion, the characters in "King Lear" and "Things Fall Apart" illustrate the complexity of eliciting sympathy in literature. King Lear's tragic arc, marked by hubris and eventual enlightenment, invites the audience to empathize with his suffering and regret. Gloucester's journey from ignorance to enlightenment, punctuated by his physical and emotional torment, underscores his transformation into a sympathetic figure. In "Things Fall Apart," Okonkwo's internal and external struggles highlight the tension between tradition and change, while Nwoye's journey of growth and pain emphasizes the search for identity in a rapidly changing world. Together, these characters exemplify how sympathy can be evoked through nuanced portrayals of human flaws, growth, and redemption. By exploring their stories, readers are invited to reflect on the nature of empathy and understanding in the face of human imperfection.

Did you like this example?

608

25