On King Lear, The Confessions, and Human Experience and Nature

Kim Paffenroth compares the thinking of Augustine and Shakespeare on love, language, nature, and reason, showing how their worldviews are more similar than they first seem and relevant to our own fragmented and disillusioned world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 17 June 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Augustines Confessions and Shakespeares King Lear are two of the most influential and enduring works of Western canon or world literature. However, what does Stratford-upon-Avon have to do with Hippo, or the ascetical heretic-fighting polemicist with the author of some of the worlds most beautiful love poetry? To answer these questions, Kim Paffenroth analyzes the similarities and differences between the thinking of these two figures on the themes of love, language, nature, and reason. Pairing and connecting the insights of Shakespeares most nihilist tragedy with those of Augustines most personal and sometimes self-condemnatory, sometimes triumphal work, challenges us to see their worldviews as more similar than they first seem and as more relevant to our own fragmented and disillusioned world.

Augustine, a renowned philosopher and theologian of the early Christian Church, lived in the fourth century AD. His Confessions, a personal account of his spiritual journey, is considered one of the most important works of Christian literature. In it, Augustine explores the nature of sin, the role of God in human redemption, and the importance of faith and grace.

On the other hand, Shakespeare, a playwright of the late Elizabethan era, lived in the sixteenth century AD. His King Lear, a tragic play about the aging king who divides his kingdom among his three daughters, is considered one of the greatest works of English literature. In it, Shakespeare explores the themes of power, corruption, madness, and the nature of human relationships.

Despite their different backgrounds and periods, there are several similarities between the thinking of Augustine and Shakespeare on the themes of love, language, nature, and reason.

Love: Both Augustine and Shakespeare explore the complexities of human love. Augustine writes about the love of God and the love of human beings, while Shakespeare writes about the love between lovers, family members, and friends. Both thinkers recognize that love is a powerful force that can bring joy and happiness, but can also be destructive and painful.

Language: Both Augustine and Shakespeare are deeply interested in the power of language. Augustine writes about the importance of language in conveying meaning and expressing ideas, while Shakespeare writes about the power of language to create characters, convey emotions, and shape narratives. Both thinkers recognize that language is a tool that can be used for both good and evil, and that it is important to use it carefully and thoughtfully.

Nature: Both Augustine and Shakespeare explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. Augustine writes about the importance of nature in shaping human behavior and moral values, while Shakespeare writes about the power of nature to inspire and awe humans. Both thinkers recognize that nature is a complex and dynamic force that can be both beautiful and dangerous.

Reason: Both Augustine and Shakespeare are deeply interested in the role of reason in human life. Augustine writes about the importance of reason in guiding the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, while Shakespeare writes about the power of reason to guide human behavior and shape narratives. Both thinkers recognize that reason is a powerful tool that can be used for both good and evil, and that it is important to use it carefully and thoughtfully.

In conclusion, while Augustine and Shakespeare lived in different times and places, their thinking on the themes of love, language, nature, and reason is remarkably similar. Both thinkers recognize the power of love, language, nature, and reason to shape human life and the world around us. By pairing and connecting the insights of Shakespeares most nihilist tragedy with those of Augustines most personal and sometimes self-condemnatory, sometimes triumphal work, we can gain a deeper understanding of their worldviews and their relevance to our own fragmented and disillusioned world.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 146 x 224 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350203204