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...goes on a journey of self-discovery that is both literal and metaphorical, in that Lear actually does "journey" in the narrative, as well as explore the depths of his own psyche and soul. Throughout this sojourn, different emotions serve to shape Lear's consciousness, affecting what he learns and the enlightenment that comes, which is his ultimate destination. King Lear is basically a morality play, since the aging Lear has no real understanding of the character of his daughters at the beginning of the play, or of himself. However, the travails that he undergoes after renouncing his throne teach him the true meaning of love, as well as duty. At the beginning of the play, Lear subjects each of his daughters to a "love" test. In act I, Scene I, Lear makes the announcement that he wishes to retire and divide his kingdom between his daughters. The student researching this topic should be aware from the viewpoint of Shakespeare's Elizabethan audience such a pronouncement would have been viewed as quite...