When Lear realizes his weakness and insignificance compared to the extraordinary forces of the natural world, he becomes a humble and thoughtful individual. He gains an understanding of the flattery and wickedness of his daughters and realizes that he is a “foolish and affectionate old man” (King Lear, Act 4, scene 3.60). Ironically, Lear's descent into madness makes him realize his weaknesses and makes him courageous in the presence of cruelty. Falsehood, cruelty and injustice swirl around him, “that is justice, that is the thief” (King Lear, Act 4, scene 3.120), but his instinct is to face them. The greatness of his spirit is evident during the storm scene where he goes from worrying about things that concern only himself to reflecting on the plight of others. Suffering himself, he is ashamed of his negligence towards the poor and needy; “Poor naked wretches, wherever you are, who stand the merciless storm, ... and show the fairer skies” (King Lear, Act 3, scene 4, 33-41). Following mental struggles and physical difficulties, Lear realizes his mistakes and this spiritual regeneration leads to catharsis or purification of his heart. King Lear's statement “I am a man/More to sin against than to sin” (King Lear, Act 3, scene 2.49-60) and his desperate question about “why should a dog, a horse, a mouse have the life,” and [Cordelia] breathless?” (King Lear, Act 5, scene 3.276) bring a sense of sadness and a feeling that perhaps justice has gone too far in terms of punishing Lear. When Lear emerges carrying the body of Cordelia with her "howl, howl, howl, howl" (King Lear, Act 6, scene 3.256) of desperation, the tragedy is so profound and the audience agrees with Kent's question