Text Matters (Nov 2021)

The Gospel of Divine Mercy in King Lear

  • Małgorzata Grzegorzewska

DOI
https://doi.org/10.18778/2083-2931.11.20
Journal volume & issue
no. 11
pp. 321 – 333

Abstract

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The paper discusses Shakespeare’s preoccupation with the Christian notions of divine love, forgiveness and justice in The Tragedy of King Lear. In my reading I employ Jean-Luc Marion’s phenomenological reflection on the givenness of love and Hans-Urs von Balthasar’s theology of Paschal mystery. I take issue with the Marxist and existentialist interpretations of Shakespeare’s tragedy which prevailed in the second half of the 20th century. My aim is not a simple recuperation of the “redemptionism” of the play, but an in-depth consideration of Christian allusions in the play which may tie love and forgiveness to justice and throw light on the ending of King Lear.

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