In William Shakespeare's play King Lear, the idea of ​​self-consciousness is represented through death. More specifically, Lear illustrates self-consciousness by rejecting the inevitability of old age. With death comes self-awareness. Lear has a clear perception of reality as a loving king and father; however, it is clear that Lear's daughters give him a completely different identity than the one he gives himself. It suggests his old age and his flaws. During Lear's first identity crisis, he rhetorically asks “Does anyone here know me? Why, this is not Lear (I. iv. 10)”, as if he did not know quite what to call himself other than a “king”. A divine manifestation, much? What Lear asks for is to be labeled with power, but his daughters agree that the fragility of his life is better suited to a definition than to being "king." Either he can't figure out who he is, or he's not sure what others think of him. His question redeems the truth of reality. “Who can tell me who I am? (I. iv. 10),” Lear reevaluates his intellect, yet asks rhetorical questions in a manner that does not quite suggest his own shortcomings; instead it gives the impression that the answers are obvious. He expects a favorable response to his, but discovers that no one can tell him what he wants to hear. What does he mean when he asks, “Who can tell me who I am? (I. iv. 10)” suggests clarity in his realization of old age. The fact that no one can tell him allows his self-awareness to grow. I see Lear's rhetorical questions translating into existential questions once he realizes that he is not suited to the kind of ruler he once was. In contrast to his daughters, Lear seems to define himself as a powerful monarch despite his old age. He is constantly surrounded… middle of paper… he has been a catalyst for hope. Lear dies a broken heart as the reality of death in life presents his existence as insignificant. We see him left in confusion and denial of his daughter's status even when it was clear she was dead. His intense suffering was the cause of his death, however, it is interesting to note that the revelation of Lear's death occurred during his height of madness. It is as if the immanence of death in life occurs during mental illness. As if the revelation were so strong that it would lead to madness. Throughout the play we see Lear trying to forget death and the moment of death, lacking the heroism that crowns a king. Unfulfilled love leads to death faster than defeat. Tested act after act, Lear gains self-awareness as agony. The concept of awareness is highlighted through the terrifying experience of death, which seems to be inevitable due to its immanence in life.