Shakespeare presents numerous violations against nature in the tragedy, King Lear. Throughout the play, he exploits the Elizabethan views of determinism in nature and physical order within the universe. Shakespeare explores the effects of committing violations against established natural laws, through his characters' inappropriate dealings within their relationships against the natural order, and against their own bodies and minds. His portrayal of unnatural relationships carried a profound significance for Elizabethan audiences. Danby explains that to these people, "Nature was in some sense an ideal pattern . . . bound to God." (24) As such, Man was required to conform to the patterns of Nature, according to the inward leading of his conscience. Danby concludes that, in pursuit of natural harmony, "the actual and the ideal cannot be separated by too great a gulf." (Danby 24) Filial relationships dominate in the play, as Shakespeare pits a father against his daughter, brother against brother, and sisters against each other. The Elizabethan concept of the ideal child/parent relationship is turned upside down by the filial treachery of Lear, Regan and Goneril against Cordelia, and by Edmund's relentless campaign against Edgar. As filial relationships crumble, the natural hierarchy is upset, unleashing the full fury of the physical elements, which are no longer subject to order. The wicked sisters ironically
expose their father to the ravages of the storm, which they and he have created by actively undermining the natural order.
Lear's requirement of Cordelia's proof of filial love is juxtaposed against the sisters' adulterous lust for the bastard Edmund. His unnatural, incestuous relationship with both women exposes the irony that the "loyal" sisters actually hate each other and their father despite their showy public expressions of love and flattery. In contrast, Cordelia and Edgar bring healing and salvation to the...