I think the King is but a man as I am: The violet smells to him as it doth to me

I think the King is but a man as I am: The violet smells to him as it doth to me

In the play "King Lear" by William Shakespeare, the character of Edgar speaks the line, "I think the King is but a man as I am: The violet smells to him as it doth to me." This line is a powerful reminder of the common humanity that exists between all individuals, regardless of their social status or position of power.

In this context, Edgar is reflecting on the nature of kingship and the inherent humanity of those who hold such positions. Despite the King's elevated status and authority, he is still a man with the same senses and emotions as any other person. The image of the violet, a simple flower that appeals to the sense of smell, serves as a metaphor for the shared experiences and perceptions that unite all individuals, regardless of their station in life.

Shakespeare often explores themes of power, authority, and the human condition in his plays, and "King Lear" is no exception. Through the character of Edgar, Shakespeare challenges the notion of kingship as something inherently superior or divine. By acknowledging the King's humanity and likening his experience to his own, Edgar highlights the fragility and vulnerability that are inherent in all individuals, regardless of their outward appearance or position in society.

This line also serves as a commentary on the nature of perception and reality. Just as the violet smells the same to both the King and Edgar, so too do the fundamental experiences of life remain constant across different individuals. Despite the trappings of power and privilege that may accompany kingship, at the core, all individuals are subject to the same joys, sorrows, and struggles that define the human experience.