Christian versus nihilistic interpretations of King Lear Traditional, orthodox or dominant visions are contrasted with resistant, variant, dissident, divergent, subversive, aberrant or niche visions. King Lear elicits dialectical or polemical interpretations because, like most of Shakespeare's tragedies, it is a problematic play that raises complex questions without providing clear and precise solutions. Until 1962, the play was presented in Nahum Tate's sanitized and now totally discredited version with a fairy-tale "they all lived happily ever after" ending or in a traditional Aristotelian interpretation that attempted to generate empathy, identification, "arousing pity and fear" in the public. which leads to the elimination of emotions and catharsis. It was Jan Kott's interpretation of the Theater of the Grotesque (1930s) that inspired Peter Brook of the Royal Shakespeare Company to present an epic theater interpretation of the play diametrically opposed to all traditional approaches. This was a seminal presentation that radically and profoundly influenced future productions. Christian interpretations follow the Aristotelian tradition while nihilists follow epic theater, in the Platonic tradition. The Christian vision is that of optimism based on hope. Based on dogmas passed down through the centuries through the teachings of Jesus, Christians believe in the dignity of man created in the image of God. Although they recognize human imperfection and fallibility, they also believe in salvation and redemption. Christians reject moral relativism and espouse the moral absolutism of truth, the mystery of creation, the affirmation of life, divine justice, the triumph of good over evil, righteous living, and belief in a loving and benevolent God. Like Aristotle, they affirm a rational moral order in the universe and that, although suffering is inherent in the human condition, it can lead humanity to a noble form of dignity. Christians argue that Lear must become mad to become wise, that Gloucester can only truly see once he becomes blind, yet the brutal hollowing of his eyes inspires the greatest upheaval of the traditional order when a servant turns against his master , Cornwell, killing him. Edgar makes some of the most profound observations that support the Christian view: "The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices Make instruments to tackle us." V.3.170Albany, expressing man's fallibility and the nature of man's evil, begins to understand what is happening by concluding:“Mankind must prey on itself IV.