King Lear and conflict with his daughters - 1556 Words

The general plot of King Lear revolves mainly around the conflict between the King and his daughters, although there is a definite and distinct sub-plot dealing with the plight and tragedy of Gloucester as well. One of the main themes that Shakespeare chooses to focus on in King Lear is the dysfunctional nature of not only the royal family and Gloucester, but the heartache and emotional strain that goes along with being a parent and having to make a decision that will divide your children. This play focuses on not only the after effects of this decision, but the way in which it affects the King, his children and his subjects as well. King Lear is also a play full of deceit and betrayal. This is clearly seen in the first few lines. We first†¦show more content†¦This is what she meant when she utters the word nothing. She has nothing to say that will flatter the king because she is honest. She is not like her sisters who would do anything to get what they want. After he does t his, he continues to badger and ridicule her for her lack of affection and love for him. He does this to anyone who does not put him on the pedestal that he feels that he rightfully deserves to be on. One must note that during this time, women were supposed to be subordinate and obedient to men, Codelias position here is a precarious one, and one that must be backed by firm belief, as she still will not give in to Lear after his threats, which shows us from the very start that she is an extremely strong-willed and determined young woman. The mere existence of this incredibly foolish game illustrates to us Lears overwhelming insecurities about his relationship with his three daughters. Cordelias refusal angers him, painting a picture of (not for the last time) Lears poor capacity for dealing with relationships, father-daughter or otherwise. The other parent child relationship gone wrong in this play is that of Edmund and his father. He is the bastard-son of Gloucester and wants everything that Edgar, the legitimate son, has. In the beginning of Act 2 he draws his sword on Edgar and tells him to pretend like he is protecting himself because he hears Gloucester coming. Edmund says: I hear my fatherShow MoreRelatedTheme Of Madness In King Lear976 Words   |  4 Pagesproves conflict arises between characters and their surroundings, depicting how madness is the result. Ruler of the land, King Lear, betrayed by those he loves, struggles to continue on his life through means of sanity. In William Shakespeare’s play King Lear, madness is brought about through one’s power of authority, self-esteem, and internal conflict. Madness, as a result, is seen when one upholds the highest rank in power. In King Lear, Lear upholds the authority in the kingdom, using his powerRead MoreKing Lear and the Genre of Tragedy Essay960 Words   |  4 Pagesof the hero. Written between 1604 and 1606, ‘King Lear’ falls into the genre of tragedy, depicting the destruction and downfall of the main character (Abrams). The play centres on Lear, an aging king who, in his retirement, decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters while retaining the title and privileges of being king. However, King Lear’s actions lead to the destruction of his family, tearing up his kingdom and creating a war. ‘King Lear’ is a tragedy as it follows the codes and conventionsRead MoreAnalysis Of Shakespeare s King Lear 1338 Words   |  6 PagesShakespeare’s Response to Good Deeds in Everyman King Lear and Everyman are two plays from the Middle English times, however they differ in morals. One shows how good deeds bring good outcomes and rewards while the other shows good deeds can bring bad outcomes and punishment. This essay is a comparative between Cordelia from King Lear and the everyman from Everyman. 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