The concept of creating heroes is as intrinsically human or at least historically widespread as the creation of gods. The latter is motivated by the need to clarify the world, the former by the desire to establish some kind of unattainable glory or ideal to imitate. Either way, each concept fills a human void. Since history is richer in offerings of lying, murderous scoundrels and oppressive dictators, humanity relies on literature to fill the void of heroes. The hero of a work of fiction is easily identifiable by traits such as courage and nobility and the defeat of an evil force, as well as the public recognition and celebration of that act. This praise is not always the case, however, as the portrayal of Albany in Shakespeare's tragedy King Lear makes clear. Albany is not lacking in characteristics or even the performance of heroic deeds, but his role as a hero is downplayed in favor of Edgar, and it seems that the common perception is that he is an insignificant character in the play. This idea came about because Albany has very few lines in the play. Albany alternately illustrates the idea of ​​being the uncredited hero of the piece. This statement is reflected in his heroic qualities, including his constant attempt to be objective and neutral, his ability to show empathy and compassion, and the way he fights injustices. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The fact that Albany attempts to be objective in his judgment and actions proves that he is the hero of the piece, even if he is not recognized for it. This trait is demonstrated in Albany's introduction to the play when King Lear insults Goneril for questioning his ability to manage his knights. Instead of following the expected course of action and defending his wife, Albany overcomes this potential bias by simply stating to Lear, “I pray you, sir, be patient” (I. iv. 240). One could argue that this is more indicative of him being passive and submissive, but the fact is that Albany would have nothing to gain because by that point Lear had already ceded all power and influence to his daughters. Albany also demonstrates his ability to maintain rational thinking in the face of criticism. Goneril claims that he is only compassionate out of ignorance, saying, "You are much more attacked for want of wisdom" (I. iv. 327), and instead of attacking this idea, Albany accepts that there might be some truth to this statement by saying objectively: "How far the eyes pierce I cannot say" (I. iv. 329). Moreover, his ability to be objective is only vividly manifested when contrasted by the actions of other characters. For example, Oswald, who is only a servant of Goneril and does not have the obligations of a husband, takes his side more than Albany. This is evident when he condescendingly refers to Lear as "my lady's father" (I. iv. 67). Furthermore, Goneril, who is Lear's daughter, does not respect him, as shown when she states: "...he always knew himself little" (I. i. 309-310 ). This contrast demonstrates that Albany does not succumb to the prejudices of those close to him and instead tries to objectively analyze the situation. The objective position adopted by Albany is evident when he states: "Now the gods which we worship, whence comes this?" (I. iv. 270). This is in response to Lear's calling Goneril d ungrateful child and essentially disowned him In this quote, Albany sagaciously questions the long-term effects of the conflict that has just arisen between Goneril and Lear instead of simply defending his wife.Albany's objectivity is when he says, "I cannot be so partial" (I. iv. 293) toward Goneril when she asks him what he thinks of Lear's rejection. Albany's actions also reflect objectivity when he offers to read the letter that the disguised Edgar gave him regarding Edmond's betrayal. He said to Edgar: "I'll catch you. Speak." (V. i. 46), and thus he does not succumb to prejudices about the structure of society, such as the idea that the poor are senile and not worth communicating with. Finally, the fact that Albany is never involved in the theme of young versus old, like his lack of involvement in gouging out Gloucester's eyes, shows that he is not taking sides. These many actions and judgments of Albany make it clear that he always tries to be neutral and objective, which makes him worthy of the idea of ​​the uncredited hero of the play. The ability to empathize and show compassion is another mark of a hero, and Albany exhibits this quality as well. First, when Lear speaks angrily of Goneril's betrayal against him, Albany tries to understand his fate by stating: "...I am innocent because I do not know/[Of what has moved you]." (I. iv. 252-253). Additionally, he insists on recognizing Lear for his abilities, thus showing his willingness to be compassionate. This is evident when he states, “Well, you may be too afraid” (I. iv. 309) in response to Goneril who worries that Lear cannot handle his knights. Other characters' perceptions of Albany are also crucial evidence of his empathetic nature. For example, Albany is described as having "...a milky kindness..." (I. iv. 325), and as being a "...gentle husband" (IV, ii, 1) by Goneril, in addition to be called "...virtuous... (IV. vi. 288)" by Edgar. These perceptions are important because Edgar and Goneril view Albany as a caring man, and because these two characters correspond to one extreme of good and evil, their statements about Albany are more true because both extreme perspectives have the same opinion. Furthermore, Albany's power to care for Lear becomes clear when compared to the way the other brother-in-law, Cornwall, treats him. For example, Cornwall states of Lear that "it is better to betray him, he leads himself" (II. iv. 323), in reference to his own lack of concern for Lear's future after his sending in the storm. Additionally, Albany shows compassion in how he cares even for those who have committed selfish acts, demonstrating that he is willing to extend forgiveness and empathy beyond those who l They were treated well. This is evident when Regan becomes ill and Albany states, "She's not well." Take her to my tent. (V. iii. 125), and also when he asks for Gonerille to be taken care of, saying: “Pursue her, she is desperate. Rule it. (V. iii. 189) during an argument that breaks out over Edmund's betrayal. This idea is also manifested when Albany shouts, “…save him!” (V. iii. 174) on Edmund falling to the ground injured in a sword fight with Edgar. Additionally, Albany shows sympathy in how he views Lear, stating that he is an "aged and graceful man" (IV. ii. 46), and "whom even the lick-headed bear" (IV. ii. . 47-48). This is a metaphor stating that Lear is so kind that even a bear in a bad mood would not attack him due to his caring nature. These feelings and actions demonstrate that Albany demonstrates empathy and care for the well-being of other characters, which gives him the right to be the uncredited hero of King Lear. Albany also constantly fights and speaks out against injustices. After being informed of Edgar's alleged betrayal, Oswald says that Albany "...called me'fool'" (IV. ii. 8), meaning a fool. This demonstrates that Albany will not commit the unjust act of accepting rumors and accusing someone based on dubious information. Oswald also states of Albany: "I told him of the army that had been landed;/He smiled at it" (IV. ii. 4-5). the ironic injustice of the approach of the French army being presented as a hostile attack by Regan, Goneril and Edmund. The irony is that in reality it is these same characters who initiated all the hostilities in the play. chasing Lear, while the French attack was only in retaliation for this. Moreover, Albany passionately denounces the injustices committed against the family, as when he declares: "She who herself will divide and disconnect. / Of his material sap must necessarily wither” (IV. ii. 39-40), meaning that Goneril’s betrayal of his family and those who support it will bring about his inevitable demise. Albany also exposes the way Goneril exploits his situation by calling it a "...self-covered thing" (IV. ii. 70). In this he suggests that she is exploiting the fact that she is a woman because he believes that treacherous behavior is less expected of a woman. This demonstrates a desire to expose the injustice of such unfounded social perceptions. Finally, Albany's mentality toward evil acts is most strikingly illustrated in his quote: "Wisdom and goodness seem vile to the vile" (IV. ii. 43), inasmuch as he asserts that truth or honesty is considered a sick distortion by those who ignore it. who commit unjust acts. This was in response to Goneril for his poor treatment of Lear. Albany's fight for justice is manifested in its concern over the many acts of betrayal that are taking place. He states that "mankind must necessarily attack itself" (IV. ii. 54), in which he implies that mankind becomes its own enemy and will ultimately destroy itself if actions such as those of Regan and Goneril are not fought. Furthermore, he denounces the unjust actions of what is supposedly his own side in the war, saying: "...by others whom I fear/The most just and heaviest causes are opposed." (VI 30-31). This implies that he is aware that those who are supposed to be his allies have committed acts of treason, such as Goneril's betrayal of Lear, and that he realizes that people have good reason not to trust them . Albany also shows that he is willing to force others to realize the evils they have committed. For example, he tells Goneril: "...read your own evil./No tears, ma'am. I see you know that." (V. iii. 181-182). This relates to the fact that she knew about Edmund's deception, but was still allied with him. Albany's quest for justice is most evident in the quote: "All friends shall taste the wages of their virtue" (V. iii. 366-367). This signifies his belief that those who commit noble acts will be rewarded, as well as his belief that all criminals will be punished. The latter is represented in the line "...and to all enemies the cup of what they deserve" (V. iii. 367-368). This unwavering belief in the ultimate application of justice is legitimate, as it is consistent with the way he acts throughout the play. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Albany is the literary representation of an ideal that society sorely lacks: the hero. We find in him the characteristic qualities of a hero, such as the ability to be objective and neutral, the power to demonstrate..