King Lear Essay - 1336 Words

Throughout history, men have been depicted in literature in various ways: as warriors, heroes, rulers, fathers, brothers, sons and lovers. Shakespeares King Lear gives a glimpse of a mans psyche in the course of the relationships he has with the women of the play. King Lear brings out the worst of Goneril and Regan, invoking within them deceit, greed and manipulation, portraying women as foul and loathsome creatures who give rise to suffering and discord. While Cordelia embodies a positive female image, King Lear is illogical in his actions toward her due to her sexuality and his opinion of how a female should honor her father. There are a number of possibilities for this apparent irrationality in King Lears actions and reactions†¦show more content†¦A central and very representative aspect of such masculine angst in the play is found in the beginning through King Lears outrageous decision to strip Cordelia of her dowry, dignity and filial relations. This can be viewed as the height of contrariness in the entirety of the play. One must note the criterion which the King uses to judge his daughters love and concern for him. Each daughter tries to appeal to the King; however, there are material incentives behind their kind words. Nothing will come of nothing, as the emptiness of words will yield unfulfilled promises (1.1.90). The fact that he gets nothing out of Cordelia is not her fault, as it is her honest reaction to the Kings request for a grandiose speech. Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave My heart into my mouth. I love your Majesty According to my bond, no more nor less. (1.1.91-93). His anxiety is then triggered by the honesty of his beloved daughter, which is another discrepancy in the reaction of King Lear to Cordelias words: How, how, Cordelia? Mend your speech a little / Lest you may mar your fortunes (1.1.94-95). This angst raises questions about what King Lear expects from Cordelia. King Lear has a tendency to deny that which is natural for a woman--to leave her fathers house and join that man to whom she has decided to devote herself in matrimony. This results in a tension between the natural course of life and the preservation of the status quo. The KingsShow MoreRelated Shakespeares King Lear - The Redemption of King Lear Essay746 Words   |  3 PagesThe Redemption of King Lear It is said that no other playwright illustrates the human condition like William Shakespeare. Furthermore, it is said that no other play illustrates the human condition like King Lear. The story of a bad king who becomes a good man is truly one of the deepest analyses of humanity in literary history; and it can be best seen through the evolution of Lear himself. In essence, King Lear goes through hell in order to compensate for his sins. 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