Authority, a dog obeyed in office

King Lear and his opinion on authority, a dog obeyed in officeK. LEAR  Thou hast seen a farmer’s dog bark at a beggar?
GLOUCESTER  Ay, sir.
K. LEAR  And the creature run from the cur? There thou mightst behold the great image of authority: a dog’s obeyed in office. (King Lear act 4 sc.6)


Tips for Use. A healthy lack of respect for pomp and authority is an antidote to tyranny and indirectly a promoter o democracy. Of course you may not want to illustrate the opinion to your prospective employer during a job interview. But it makes a good commentary to the performance of sundry politicians and others – especially those who think very highly of themselves. In the book “Your Daily Shakespeare” there is an ample selections of cutting remarks on the use and abuse of authority.

In the play. Gloucester, blinded by one of King Lear’s evil daughters  joins the now (ex) King in a field near Dover.

Original image from http://www.thegodmurders.com/genesgodego.html

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