King Lear

Mercy truly is the fundamental characteristic to civilized human life. Mercy in other words is compassion shown by one person to another or a request from one person to another to be shown, such as unwarranted compassion for a crime or wrongdoing. Without mercy, people who make mistakes would suffer or worse, die. If I had the choice to pick between Mercy and Justice it would be mercy. Mercy is the leniency, compassion, kindness and forgiveness given to a person by a higher authority. Mercy is more of a basic essential to civilized human life. I will show how mercy, not justice, is the highest value we have as a society. Mercy brings about proper resolution for everyone to benefit, whereas justice is just a solo person or majority that would benefit without having to sacrifice anyone’s’ life.
Firstly, other factors such as the amount of resources at personal disposal and personal characteristics have a significant and bias impact on the course of justice. Mercy can not only be obtained by single privileged individuals but rather anybody can obtain it. In order for society to advance we need to treat other equally and give everyone fair opportunities. Mercy rather than Justice allows for that. In King Lear Cordelia said, “How does my royal lord? How fares your Majesty?” (IV vii 44) Cordelia’s opening line shows that she is trying to re-establish her bond with her father by being a loving daughter. She treats King Lear with respect, concern, and love. Instead of seeking revenge for the terrible wrong she offers mercy and hope.
Mercy gives a person a second chance to develop, change, and make up for their past. Mercy is required to properly give a person a chance to be forgiven. Once the person is forgiven they get an opportunity to change oneself. Without Cordelia’s outstanding quality Lear would have not grown as a person. King Lear’s growth as a person involves his ability to see a kinder, more harmonious way of resolving past injuries and hurts. Near the end