A little bit of Lear- and self reflections

Everytime i read King Lear again, i'm continually struck by the depth of the play, and the level of intimacy in which it explores the human condition. It is classic, timeless, because the human condition- i dare say, the essence of being human, is encompassed within a range of emotions cumulative of events that, although through time might differ, does not change so drastically as to alter human reactions.

The innate tendency to sin, the assurance of pride and its inevitable disillusionment, the vain attempts to quantify, measure, and put into order what that cannot be logically deduced, are just some of the flaws of the human condition that King Lear portrays, in a way both dramatic and ultimately soul-baring.

Although I was initially drawn by the darkness of the play, (its ending derives so much power in the pathos of despair that I was struck by it, the possibility of such tragedy due to consequence quite fascinated me-ok, morbid, i know) I found in it many redeeming qualities, like in the faithful love of Cordelia, Edgar, Kent and Cornwall's servant. The greatness of love shows itself with greater prominence with contrast to adversity, and even as the play ends in despair, there is the hope that humans can find something worth living for in this 'cold' and unyielding earth.

'Unaccommodated man is no more but such a poor, bare, forked animal as thou art. Off, off, you lendings! Come on, be true.'
The notion of being 'accommodated' is a very impactful one for me- it is true that from young we have been accommodated, by our parents, as well as people who love us. It has always struck me with wonder how people become friends- the Asian mentality, the more cold and aloof reason that I'd always held on to, was that it was only polite to be good to people, to hope to inspire a return of goodwill and a continual companion in that person. It has always filled me with gratitude at the thought of my friends- they don't have to talk with me, listen to me, esp when i'm cracking lame jokes, or just be with me. But the Western ideals seem to hold more attraction to me now- although they are more liberal in the sense that they offend people more easily, not being restrained by the bounds of propriety that Asians are (this is strictly a stereotype, i don't have any Western friends;p), they are nevertheless more true, to themselves as well as to their friends. If they do not seem to value friendships enough to keep from showing displeasure when something offends them, they are being true to their value systems and are sure of where they stand, and who they want to be with.

I guess it's up to me to find a balance. I'd always prided myself on being a tactful person, but that was in the past when I hardly spoke to people and stayed in my world of books. They can hardly shut their pages when i voice a tactless opinion regarding their contents! And so ignorance, and the fact that no one really seemed to dislike me, kept me in the dark of who I really am, which is, ahem, sadly, not a very nice and accepting character at all. In fact, I would classify being over-critical as one of my major faults any day- It's great for work but a little strained on the human relations department.

So, if I seem too overbearing at times, please forgive my ignorance and tell me to shut my mouth if you disagree (well, it'll be a bonus if u'd do it in a nice way of course), and if sometimes I irritate you by asking too many questions, humour my newfound wish to know the people ard me better, and to have deeper and more meaningful relationships than just a pat in the back or a wave when we pass;p kkz, think i'm getting lo so again, good luck to all the maths ppl, jia you for the As!