by LordOfBeefDip » January 31st, 2015, 6:32 pm
I think a lot of Scar's issues were because of the order of birth. From what I gathered, there were at least a few points where others are being condescending of him.
I also think it takes some sort of trauma to create a monster like he became. In the opening scene, he didn't really seem that bad. Sarcastic, bitter, but still more or less resigned to fate.
So if he were the proper king, I think he would have done a lot better. Not perfect, and I suspect the power would still go to his head somewhat, but I don't think that he would have let the kingdom go to hell like he did in the movie.
Something I also suspect, given his more unhinged nature at the end, is that he was possibly dealing with some form of repressed guilt. Scar did murder his brother, and even if he felt justified in doing so, that is something very significant. Comparisons to Mufasa probably angered him, though I can't help but think that his banning his brother from being mentioned couldn't have another reason. A way for him to pretend his brother never existed. That way he wouldn't have to remember what he did, or think of the consequences of the pride finding out.
He was completely apathetic to how things were at the end, which probably has other factors beyond any possible guilt. Without that over his head though, I think that he could have managed things better. Without having to worry about keeping his secret, and secure in the knowledge that he was the chosen king, I believe he would be component, and considerably less cruel.