Kent's most notable characteristics are his loyalty and bluntness. Discuss?

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Q Kent’s most notable characteristics are his loyalty and bluntness. Discuss?

The character of King Lear’s Kent is a formidable one. Whether it is the extent of his service to the King, the harshness and imagination with which he fights to defend the King or his character progression throughout the play. His most notable characteristics are definitely his incessant loyalty and his use of blunt language when his respectful interjections are ignored.

It is his loyalty that motivates him and his bluntness that lands him in trouble. He speaks up to the King and warns him about his ‘hideous rashness’ in the treatment of Cordelia and is blunt and to the point “What wouldst thou do, old man?” - Act 1 Scene 1; but only uses this language when he is not being taken into consideration. We normally hear Kent referring to the King in a respectful and loyal manner ‘my lord’ and ‘my leige’. His bluntness and forwardness towards the King leads to his banishment, which Kent accepts but not without a final word of advice “See better Lear, and let me still remain the true blank of thine eye.” – Act 1 Scene 1

We notice that his advice and speeches are justified by the subsequent events of the play. His reference towards the Kings daughters prior to leaving the court is a sign of what is still to come . “…the gods to their dear shelter take thee, maid, that justly think’st and hast most rightly said;(to Cordelia) And your large speeches may your deeds approve, that good effects may spring from words of love.” (To Goneril & Regan) – Act 1 Scene 1

The extent of his loyalty is shown when he assumes the disguise as Caius and presents himself ...

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The extent of his loyalty is shown when he assumes the disguise as Caius and presents himself to the King, in order to remain close to him. “If but as well I other accents borrow that can my speech diffuse, my good intent May carry through itself to that full issue for which I razed my likeness. Now, banishment Kent, if thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemned So may it come thy master whom thou lov’st shall find thee full of labours.” He offers his services to the King, and relates how he thinks a servant, counsel or aid should serve the King, which is the same way he had served the King in the past “I can keep honest counsel, ride, run, mar a curious tale in telling it and deliver a plain message bluntly. That which ordinary men are fit for I am qualified in, and the best of me is diligence.” – Act 1 Scene 4 - This is ironic though as the same reasons Lear banished Kent are the same reasons he is employing Caius!

He proves his loyalty by defending Lear against Oswald, he trips him. Lear begins to trust Caius and gives him a letter to be delivered to Regan. Kent pledges his loyalty and obedience; “I will not sleep, my lord, till I have delivered your letter.” When Lear arrives at Gloucester’s castle and is confronted with Oswald, we see the light heartedness and imagery used to portray the emotions and situation within the play; this was Shakespeare’s way of interjecting a bit of Comic Relief into this stressful play. Again we see the modesty of Kent’s character and loyalty towards the King when he bluntly insults Regan, Cornwall and Edgar in Act 2 Scene 2 “I have seen better faces in my time than stands on any shoulder that I see before me at this instant”. His speech once again leads him to trouble and he ends up in the stocks.

Kent keeps us informed on the plot development of the play and on Cordelia’s movements and plans. He is very concerned about the King out in the storm, the Kings comfort and well-being are of utmost importance to him. “Gracious my lord, hard by here is a hovel:..” Kent tries to reason with Lear when he starts to compare himself to Poor Tom (Edgar), he tries to assist him; “he hath no daughters, sir.” (Act 3 Scene 4)

When Kent meets Gloucester, he informs him of Lear’s state of mind and shows his concern for the well-being of the King; “Here sir, but trouble him not; his wits are gone.” He never stops protecting the King and assisting him.

As the play progresses we notice that the role of Kent slowly reduces, initially he has great speeches and is ready to endure all, but only till his master needs him! It’s like he loses all his purpose in life with the death of King Lear, and fades away; “I have a journey, sir, shortly to go; My master calls me, I must not say no.” He follows Lear even in death. Loyal to the end!

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