This affirms King Lear as a powerful figure of authority through his command of language. Upon his relinquishing of power to his daughters the ‘storm and tempest’ begins on stage. This acts as a physical manifestation Of Learns inner turmoil, and the chaos in the natural order due to the loss of authority. The chaos is further represented on the heath when Leads language reminds us of hell, with imagery of, “sulfurous and thought executing fires”. This displays the violence, and break down in refined language, highlighting to us the chaos consuming Lear, and his world.
Shakespeare, therefore confirms that without a presence of authority, chaos ill descend upon the world. Shakespearean concept of chaos without authority is also explored in Gildings Lord of the flies. However, Gilding suggests that without authority the evil in humanity emerges. Ralph attempts to maintain order on the island, stating “we must have rules and obey them, after all we’re not savages”. This ironically foreshadows the breakdown in order, due to the lack of authority. Gilding traces the decent into chaos through the chant, “Kill the beast!
Cut his throat! Spill his blood”. The horrifying chant is accompanied with violent actions that become all- consuming, resulting in the murder of Simon. This disturbing moment reminds the audience of the chaos in humanity that emerges without authority. This chaos is portrayed similarly in King Lear, through the subplots graphic blinding of Gloucester. At the end of Gildings novel the imagery of the island “scorched up like dead wood” reminds us of the ruin without authority caused by “the darkness of man’s heart”.
Therefore, both Shakespeare and Gilding demonstrate, without authority there is chaos, Gilding, also suggesting that evil emerges without authority. Shakespeare also explores the responsibility of authoritative fig rest to possess insight. The conflict of sight and insight is established in the opening scene when Lear States, “Out Of my sight” which is countered by Kent who states, “see better”. Through the imagery, we are invited to reflect upon Learns lack of insight as an authoritative figure. In act four Lear finally admits, “I am very foolish, fond old man”.
The statement’s repetition emphasizes the gain of insight, enabled by the journey on the heath. We can also hear echoes of the Fool’s statement in act one, “Thou should not have been old till thou hats been wise”. The Fool has acted as a dramatic tool to prompt Lear into moments of unsightliness. Therefore, Learns echoing of phrasing suggests a gain in insight, brought about by the Fool’s words. In Learns final moments Albany gives ‘this old majesty, to him our absolute power. Lea’s restoration of power, therefore highlights to us the importance of authority having insight.
Shakespeare, thus emphasizes that leaders must acquire true insight to possess authority. Gilding represents Shakespearean idea of the importance of insight in an authoritative figure, whilst also exploring the consequences of a lack of insight. Piggy’s insight, represented through his lasses, compliments Rally’s authoritative character, emphasized to us, through the dialogue as Piggy recognizes the conch as “ever so valuable”, Ralph building on the idea by “calling the others” to establish order.
This corresponds with the idea explored by Shakespeare when the Fool prompts Lear. Gilding, however, also suggests the Consequences Of no insight. This portrayed through the characterization of Jack. The shocking description of Piggy, as he “fell forty feet’ and “his head opened and turned red”, emphasizes the contrasting savage nature of Jack, and his tribe, therefore suggesting a direct consequence of authority without insight, is ruin.
Although, both Gilding, and Shakespeare emphasize the importance of an authoritative figure holding insight. Gilding, through the central characters, illuminates the consequences of authority without insight. Therefore, both Shakespearean, and Gilding’s text’s explore similar ideas of chaos without authority, and the necessity for leaders to possess insight. However Gilding also suggests evil emerges without the presence of authority, and explores in detail, the consequences Of authority without insight.
