Lear and the Tragedy of Narcissistic Rage

Originally screened as part of the NT Live broadcast, this short film gives an insight into Sam Mendes's 2014 production of King Lear with Simon Russell Beale in the title role.

It is definitely plausible that Lear was suffering from a neurological disorder, especially at such an advanced age, Lewy Body Dementia or otherwise. But I posit that it is his irascible, conceited personality that fuels the tragedy of the play.  His daughters know this all too well, and while the two eldest play the pandering game with him, Cordelia refuses to.  Goneril and Regan stand to benefit in a major way, while their youngest sister doesn't look for reward and is thus free to be genuine and truthful.  If I as a clinical psychologist may hazard a diagnosis on Lear, then, it is that of Narcissistic Personality Disorder.  Cordelia's refusal to pander to him is an infuriating, shameful blow to his ego.  This narcissistic rage, as we clinicians call it, is the beginning of the end.  So while nothing will come of nothing means, at first, no reward for Cordelia's impetulance, later on in the play nothing takes on a more tragic, literal yet existential meaning:  loss of worldly possessions and kingly trappings, loss of Lear's most loyal and loving daughter.