We must be able to identify ourselves with the tragic hero if he is to inspire fear, for we must feel that what happens to him could happen to us.

 The tragic hero cannot be completely evil because we would not be fearful of what happens to him. Lear inspires fear because… 1. He is not completely upright, nor is he completely wicked 2. He is foolish and arrogant, but also humble and compassionate. 3. He is angry, but also patient

Because of Lear’s good qualities, we experience pity for him and feel that he does not deserve the severity of his punishment.

 His egotism in the first scene of the play causes him to make his errors in judgment -The division of his kingdom -The banishment of Cordelia

 The important element in tragedy is ACTION not character.  Lear calls upon the “great gods”  Edgar and Kent blame Fortune  Gloucester says that the gods “kill us for their sport” (IV.i.40)

In reality, the calamities that befall both Lear and Gloucester occur because of the actions of these men.  A tragic hero gains insight through suffering  Lear’s suffering – madness in the storm/wandering the heath  Gloucester’s suffering – blindness and suicide attempt