A Fitting End for King Lear?

The conclusion of”King Lear” has not always been seen as a suitable and successful conclusion to the play. Nahum Tate’s rewriting was accepted for 150 years, with its happy ending. However, grim though it might be, this final scene is a most fitting finish.

A first reason for its appropriateness lies in the traditional expectation of tragedy. Lear has erred in his decision to relinquish his kingly responsibilities while maintaining his status and privilege. He further blunders by misjudging the motives of his daughters, and those of his retainer, Kent, and ejects the loyal and good while allowing the rise of the corrupt and power-seeking. This tragic error brings disaster and chaos on Lear and his kingdom. Lear and others suffer greatly, but the only possible result is Lear’s death, along with the suffering and death of both innocent and evil. All Shakespeare’s tragedies...