In regards to Roland Barthes’ statement that “literature is the question minus the answer”, a reader can find that the central question posed by Shakespeare’s King Lear concerns morality. More specifically, King Lear’s treatment of the question of whether a moral life is necessarily a better life is brought out in the juxtaposition of the characters Edmund and Cordelia, and the universality of King Lear explored through the modern philosophies associated with each. One of the most polarized characters of the play, Edmund is a character willing to commit heinous deeds like framing his own brother, arranging the murder of his own brother and committing adultery with Goneril and Regan. Rather than trying to please the Gods with morally sound actions, he instead calls for them to “stand up” for “bastards” like him who are earning a place in society through trickery and deceit. Until his death looms over him, Edmund remains unashamedly unrepentant of his behavior and seems almost proud of his lack of moral fiber. Unfortunately for Edmund, he dies of a mortal wound before he can reap the benefits of his conniving, rendering all his efforts for naught. The least morally sound character is therefore unsuccessful in his endeavors and dies at a young age, proving that living a morally un-sound life does little for Edmund. In contrast, Cordelia adheres to the prescribed morality and benevolent behavior. She is the only daughter who does not forsake her father, even though Lear himself admits that Cordelia has “some cause” to wrong him. Cordelia’s character does not waver throughout the play, and she continues to represent on pole of the moral spectrum. However, being morally sounds does Cordelia few favors, and she is killed at the close of the play. Although Edmund and Cordelia are very different characters, they both meet the same end: death at the hands of another. This apparently shows that morality has had very little if any influence on the outcome of their respective lives. Modern philosophies exist that are embodied by both Edmund and Cordelia. By commenting on the characters representative of a philosophy, Shakespeare is cleverly commenting on the philosophies themselves, albeit indirectly. Cordelia, a morally motivated individual who puts other before herself, is like a sacrificial lamb and therefore represents Christianity. Edmund, on the other hand, a self-reliant individual who has few qualms about committing any deed necessary, is representative of naturalism. By showing similar tragic fates experienced by both characters, Shakespeare effectively demonstrates to the reader that morality in either direction is an exercise in futility, perhaps because everyone shares a similar common fate: death. By showing two characters that have been palpably juxtaposed and share similar fates, Shakespeare reflects on the insignificance of their moral choices. If Edmund and Cordelia, moral extremes and members of nobility, are unable to drastically alter their life courses, one must question whether individuals following particular life philosophies can individually have any more success.