Good or evil, black or white, right or wrong. Certain aspects of the human psyche require the existence of specific and rigid classifications. There is a desire to categorize every aspect, object and experience ever encountered – once categorized it is difficult to adapt. Likewise, philosophers have long grappled with questions about human nature: are we a race entirely distinct from beasts, or is our nature nothing other than bestial? Throughout the tragedy of Shakespeare's King Lear, specifically highlighted in one of Lear's speeches, the integrity of human nature is called into question. Although in his delusional state he attests that people are no better than animals, hidden under a mask of dignity, he nevertheless ignores two characters who present qualities that far exceed this hypothesis. By defying the animal instinct for self-preservation, choosing instead to use reason guided by compassion, both Cordelia and Kent represent a contrast to Lear's dark view of human nature. Furthermore, because they both act under pressure and therefore on pure instinct, their decisions adhere to the theory that human nature is not necessarily bestial (i.e. base and selfish) but rather noble and loyal. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayNaive and somewhat superficial, King Lear declares that he will divide his fortune and kingdom among his three daughters based on their ability to express their feelings. love for him. While her sisters deliver their grandiose proclamations of love, Cordelia's asides reveal her growing anxiety in the face of this test of filial devotion (KL.II62, 76-78). Although visibly under pressure, Cordelia chooses not to blatantly display her love for her father and "not to make that response"; instead, she says "nothing", "unhappy that [she]...can't put [her] heart in [her] mouth" and knowing all the time that "nothing will come of nothing" ( Sewell 143, KL.II89, 90, 91-92). By denying the possibility of claiming a share of the wealth, it ignores the basic animal instinct to ensure its own survival and instead advocates honor and honesty. In his madness, Lear banishes his youngest and most beloved daughter, considering her “indifferent” and “foreign to [his] heart and to [him]” (KL.II107, 116). Despite this brutal renunciation, Cordelia returns to help her father after the fickle older sisters strip him of his physical and mental worth. Eager to bring "restoration" and "repair this violent damage" with a kiss, Cordelia embodies the varied essence of "conduct (and character) in which reason is transformed by compassion" as she seeks and actively nourishes Lear in his hour of need. (KL.IV.VII.27, 29, Sewell 144). Essentially, Cordelia recognizes that her actions will not benefit her physically (which would drive an animal's motivation to act), but rather makes her decisions based on compassion and an acute awareness of honesty. Noticing that Lear judges Cordelia unfairly, Kent goes beyond the limits of his propriety by highlighting this error. As a means of survival, servants of the court recognize a certain level of respect owed to the ruler in order to maintain their position and their lives. Knowingly speaking beyond one's realm of convenience endangers Kent's life and honored position, but his "honesty has in it a frankness of something more than mere demand if the opportunity presents itself" (Sewell 142). . His close trust with Lear dictates that Kent be "without manners when Lear is mad" and ".