This paper examines how emotional conflicts influence social responsibility in Shakespeare's King Lear and Hamlet, focusing on how the characters' inner struggles affect their ability to act morally and politically. Using a qualitative, textual, and comparative method, it analyzes key dramatic moments to explore expressions of grief, anger, indecision, and moral anxiety. Findings suggest that emotional dysregulation in King Lear and ongoing emotional ambivalence in Hamlet hinder responsible leadership and ethical behavior. Lear’s emotional excess destabilizes family and political systems, while Hamlet’s hesitation delays justice and increases chaos. The study argues that Shakespeare sees tragedy as stemming from an imbalance between emotional life and ethical obligations, underscoring the need for emotional self-control for social stability. By situating personal psychological struggles within broader social and political contexts, this research advances Shakespearean scholarship and interdisciplinary discussions on emotional intelligence, moral responsibility, and leadership. It demonstrates that early modern tragedy remains highly relevant to contemporary issues in governance and ethics.
Ms. Bhagwat Kushawarta Shivnath (Thu,) studied this question.