In Elizabethan English there was no figure standing for 'nothing'. But through the influence of Indian philosophy and mathematical concepts the sign '0' was established in Europe. This introduction had a strong impact - not only in mathematics. The idea assigned to it brought strong dispute with it. Especially in philosophy a lot of questions were being asked: What was the nature of 'nothing'?, Was 'nothing' really nothing?, Could one talk about 'nothing'? Didn't it become something thereby? etc.
Questions like these appeared during the Nihilist movement in the 16th century, which eventually led to Nietzsche's statement "God is dead".
Shakespeare used the term 'nothing' about forty times in different contexts within his tragedy King Lear. However, in most student guides and source books on King Lear, 'nothing' is not regarded as leitmotive.
As Brian ROTMAN points out, William Shakespeare was "in the first generation of children in England to have learned about zero from Robert Recorde's Arithmetic." In addition to his frequent use of 'nothing', Shakespeare lets two of his main characters deal with the aspect of 'nothing': the play dramatizes "[...] reductions to nothing, charting the annihilation of human warmth, the dissolution of social, natural, familial bonds, the emptying of kindness, sympathy, tenderness, love, pity, affection into hollow shells, into substitutes for themselves[...]."
The main thesis of this essay is based on the mathematical concept of 'nothing' in which zero is the narrow borderline between positive and negative. Hence, Edgar can not be right when stating "Edgar I nothing am."
Although in most secondary sources relevant for King Lear Gloucester usually is regarded as Lear's counterpart in the subplot, the focus in this essay will be put on the comparison of King Lear and Edgar and their individual development throughout the play.
In order to proof this thesis, the concept of nothing and its sources will be introduced and explained. Chapter I will give a short overview of the ideas of the mathematical concept of 'nothing'. It will explain where the idea of a thing as 'nothing' comes from, how and when it became known in Europe and especially in Elizabethan England and why the sign '0' was chosen.
Chapter II transfers the concept to the play. Although in Shakespearean times mathematics and literature are often regarded as diametral sciences, mathematics are relevant in deed for the reading of Shakespeare's King Lear. The hints on mathematics within the text will be examined in detail.
Table of Contents
- First Chapter: Introduction
- Second Chapter: 'Nothing'
- The different concepts of 'nothing'
- Indian philosophy and zero
- Establishing 'nothing' in Europe - 'nothing' in Shakespeare's time
- The mathematical concept of 'nothing' in King Lear
- Third Chapter: The diametral development throughout the play
- Fourth Chapter: Rather 'something' than 'nothing'
- "Nothing will come of nothing" - the love test
- "If it be nothing, I shall not need spectacles" - treachery
- "I am a fool, thou art nothing" – the fool tells the truth
- "Nothing almost sees miracles" – Cordelia comes to help
- Fifth Chapter: Conclusion
- Sixth Chapter: Bibliography
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay analyzes the concept of "nothing" in Shakespeare's King Lear, focusing on its mathematical and philosophical implications. The essay explores how the concept of zero, newly introduced to Europe from Indian philosophy and mathematics, influenced Shakespeare's portrayal of the characters' emotional and psychological states. The analysis compares the development of King Lear and Edgar, examining whether their trajectories move towards or away from "nothingness." * The mathematical concept of zero as a borderline between positive and negative. * The philosophical implications of "nothing" in the context of nihilism and the Elizabethan era. * The dramatic portrayal of "nothing" in Shakespeare's King Lear. * The comparative character development of King Lear and Edgar. * The impact of Indian philosophy on the understanding of "nothing" in Shakespeare's time.Chapter Summaries
First Chapter: Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of "nothing" in Elizabethan England, highlighting the absence of a specific symbol representing zero before the influence of Indian philosophy and mathematical advancements. It explains the controversies surrounding the nature of "nothing" in philosophical debates, particularly during the Nihilist movement, and sets the stage for the analysis of Shakespeare's use of "nothing" in King Lear. The introduction establishes the main thesis: that the mathematical concept of zero, as a narrow borderline, is crucial to understanding the characters' development. It also outlines the essay's structure and methodology.
Second Chapter: 'Nothing': This chapter delves into the different understandings of "nothing," tracing its evolution from the absence of a numerical symbol in Roman times to its adoption through contact with Arabian and Oriental traders. It emphasizes the significant role of Indian philosophy in shaping the concept of zero. The chapter explores the connection between the number zero and Indian philosophical thought, providing a background for understanding how Shakespeare might have incorporated this concept into his work. It sets the stage for examining the specific instances of "nothing" within the play, connecting the philosophical and mathematical underpinnings to Shakespeare's dramatic use of the concept.
Third Chapter: The diametral development throughout the play: This chapter connects the findings on the concept of "nothing" to the characters' development in King Lear. It explores whether the characters undergo any significant transformation throughout the play, and if that change can be understood as a movement towards or away from "nothingness". A key focus is whether the developmental trajectories of King Lear and Edgar are parallel or diametrically opposed. The chapter examines how the concept of "nothing" functions as a causal factor in the unfolding of the drama.
Keywords
King Lear, Shakespeare, Nothingness, Zero, Indian Philosophy, Mathematics, Elizabethan Era, Character Development, Edgar, Gloucester, Nihilism.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of "Nothing" in Shakespeare's King Lear
What is the main focus of this essay?
This essay analyzes the concept of "nothing" in Shakespeare's King Lear, exploring its mathematical and philosophical implications within the context of Elizabethan England and the newly introduced concept of zero from Indian philosophy and mathematics. It examines how the concept of zero influences the portrayal of characters' emotional and psychological states, and compares the development of King Lear and Edgar, assessing their trajectories in relation to "nothingness."
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include the mathematical concept of zero as a borderline, the philosophical implications of "nothing" in relation to nihilism and the Elizabethan era, the dramatic portrayal of "nothing" in King Lear, the comparative character development of King Lear and Edgar, and the impact of Indian philosophy on the understanding of "nothing" during Shakespeare's time.
What is the structure of the essay?
The essay is structured into six chapters. It begins with an introduction establishing the context and thesis, followed by a chapter dedicated to exploring the multifaceted concept of "nothing" historically and philosophically. The third chapter connects this concept to the characters' development in the play. A further chapter focuses on instances of "something" versus "nothing" in the play. The essay concludes with a summary and bibliography.
How does the essay utilize the concept of zero?
The essay argues that the mathematical concept of zero, newly introduced to Europe, is crucial to understanding the characters' development in King Lear. It uses zero as a symbolic representation of a borderline between positive and negative states, mirroring the characters' emotional and psychological journeys throughout the play.
What is the significance of Indian philosophy in this analysis?
The essay highlights the significant role of Indian philosophy in shaping the European understanding of zero. It explores how the concept of zero, originating from Indian mathematics and philosophy, influenced Shakespeare's portrayal of characters and themes in King Lear.
Which characters are central to the analysis?
The analysis centers on the characters of King Lear and Edgar, comparing their developmental trajectories throughout the play to assess whether they move towards or away from "nothingness."
What is the methodology of the essay?
The essay employs a comparative analysis of character development, integrating philosophical and mathematical concepts to interpret Shakespeare's use of "nothing" within the dramatic context of King Lear. The introduction outlines the specific methodology used.
What are the key words associated with this essay?
Key words include: King Lear, Shakespeare, Nothingness, Zero, Indian Philosophy, Mathematics, Elizabethan Era, Character Development, Edgar, Gloucester, Nihilism.
What are the chapter summaries?
The essay includes summaries for each chapter, detailing the specific focus and arguments presented in each section. These summaries outline the introduction, the exploration of "nothing," the analysis of character development in relation to "nothingness," and the concluding remarks.
Where can I find a table of contents?
A detailed table of contents is provided, outlining the structure and topics covered in each chapter of the essay.
- Citation du texte
- Stefanie Klering (Auteur), 2006, Rather Something - On "nothing" in King Lear , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/77249
