On the Education of Edgar
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document in English
humanities/philosophy
school essay
published 08/10/2007
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Summary“For doubting pleases me no less than knowing.” This quote by Dante which Montaigne uses in his essays strikes at the heart of his ideas about education. He believes that the ancient ways of Aristotle, where one learns through the text of learned men, are outdated because it does not force one to think for themselves. When someone begins to doubt it means they are finally beginning to analyze and question the validity of what they have been told, and only in this way can achieve true knowledge. Montaigne further stresses that the best way to learn is through real life experiences, rather than being cooped up in a room with a tutor. This “ancient” way of learning was the only thing that Edgar, from Shakespeare’s “King Lear”, ever knew. Growing up the son of a nobleman he was isolated from the world and his only true knowledge cam from what he had read in books or what was taught to him by tutors. As a consequence of this childhood, Edgar’s naivety led to his banishment from the kingdom where he became disguised as a beggar roaming the countryside. Only when he became in contact with the real world as a beggar and not a nobleman did his education really begin.
Table of Contents
- 'For doubting pleases me no less than knowing.' This quote by Dante which Montaigne uses in his essays strikes at the heart of his ideas about education.
- In the beginning of the play Edgar is shown in his 'uneducated' state, easily tricked by his wicked brother.
- Edgar is next found in the play in Act III Scene 4 when he encounters Lear, Kent, and the fool in the countryside.
- Edgar thought that he had gone as far as he could go into despair seeing the mad King, but he sinks even lower when he comes upon his father in Act IV.
- The education of Edgar is put into action in the final scene of the play when he confronts his traitorous brother.
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