King Lear is a play that explores religious themes through a binary of good and evil characters in a political setting where pagan god-worship is prevalent. The absence of institutional religion in the play reflects a kingdom with morally evil characters ruling with selfish motivations. The characters that consciously align with good are cast into exile for their actions, enduring hardships but demonstrating virtues of forgiveness, redemption, and sacrifice.
The tragedy of King Lear unfolds when he attempts to pass the responsibility of the crown to his children while maintaining his title as king. Cordelia, the daughter of King Lear, recognizes his irresponsibility and intentions but refuses to indulge in manipulation. Lear's hubris fuels his approach to distributing land, which also leads to the separation of families.
The Earl of Gloucester suffers consequences from a family member's shrewd plots, with his son Edmund tricking him to turn against his loyal son Edgar to gain his honor and inheritance. Gloucester is physically blinded and driven from his home by power-hungry Regan and Goneril, leading to his confession of guilt. Despite the distance between the fathers and children of exile, both Lear and Gloucester reunite with their loyal child, offering glimpses of redemption in the tragedy and loss they face.
Belief becomes a dividing factor in the morality and responsibility of the characters in King Lear, as they are cast into exile for their actions. Familial love and faith are tied together despite the non-Christian setting, reflecting the narrative of Christ.