What was King Lear like when he was young?

Question: What was King Lear like when he was young!?

I know that the play doesn't openly tell us what Lear was like when he was young, but there was hint that he was physically fit (and to some degree still is during the play) when he struck down a young armed soldier in the last scene!.

Please comment on what you think Lear was like (was he a powerful and wise king!? good at ruling!? flirty!?) and if possible give some evidential support!.

Thanks!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Now, this is a really cool question!. The evidence in the play is that he's physically robust even as an old man (he carries Cordelia's body in, he rails against the storm), and the wisest of his advisers, Gloucester, is his dear and loyal friend!.

The big question would be, was he as impulsive and judgmental as a younger man as he is as an old man!? Off the top of my head I can't think of any evidence either way on that one, other than the fact that Cordelia and Gloucester are still fiercely loyal, so it could be that what we're looking at are the foibles of age -- a foolish, fond old man!.Www@QuestionHome@Com