King Lear Is a Play Based Upon Love, Betrayal and Conflict. Discuss how King Lear’s Role as King of England Deteriorates
King Lear Is a Play Based Upon Love, Betrayal and Conflict.
Discuss how King Lear's Role as King of England Deteriorates
From a King to a Man.
Aim
During the course of this essay, I will be discussing the role of King Lear and his deterioration from being a King, to becoming a man as a result of Ignorance and Dignity.
King Lear is a rather complex character, who was neither all good, nor all unpleasant. He was simply a combination of the two. His role as King places a great deal of stress upon him
From the opening chapters of King Lear, one is able to deduce that the Kings role is paramount to that of other characters. Shakespeare portrays King Lear as the dominant character in the first stages of the play. This is obvious especially when the Earl of Kent, someone the King had trusted and respected, intervened over the situation where King Lear banished Cordelia. You can see through the manner in which he spoke to Kent that there was something about the King that was not right, which we assume is caused merely by old age, i.e. his ignorance towards a friend, and even more so his ill-treatment of his youngest daughter Cordelia, who was his joy.
Lear: "...Now, our joy..." (Act 1 Sc 1)
This is the reference of Cordelia prior to the dilemma, a reference of joy that can only be seen as a most pleasant reference for a father to give to a child, and he also says 'our', from which we assume he is referring to Cordelia as being the joy of her two sisters, as the youngest child.
Following this, his tone does dramatically changes towards all, even the Earl of Kent, a friend of the King.
Kent: "The true blank of thine eye." (Act 1 Sc 1)
The Earl of Kent still feels the actions of Lear towards Cordelia are unnecessary, and the above quote is a reference of Lears' eye being blank, a comment implying that King Lear is not seeing correctly, hence a disapproval form Kent over the situation. The quote also reads the 'true blank', giving Lear the impression that Kent is mocking him, as it implies that Kent is the wise one in this situation, because Lear has an inability to see the truth of the situation, and also the honesty of Cordelia, form whose comments he had become so greatly offended.
Lear: "O, vassal! Miscreant!" (Act 1 Sc 1)
Lear uses the words vassal and miscreant in response to Kent's comments in defiance over Cordelia. The word 'Miscreant' is defined as 'Disbeliever', which Shakespeare uses to describe Kent, as he feels betrayed that his friend is against the actions of the King. It may also be a response to Kent's earlier reference to the Gods.
Shakespeare's use of language was most articulate, and through this, we are able to develop further insight into the personality of King Lear, revealed as an arrogant and often antagonistic individual. This response of his is inappropriate, especially towards someone who is defending the youngest daughter. Such comments question the readers' intellect as to King Lear's suitability to be King.
For Lear to be distributing his land and his power, shows he is now resigning, which is an action during such an era where Christian leaders were required to maintain their authority and use it to the best of their advantage. I assume the play was set in the 17th Century, as 'King Lear' was first printed in 1608, and from assume that the British population at the time were all Christians, and thus if we were to read the opinion of the public, I imagine their response would be that King Lear was unfit to be King, especially if he wants to resign, prior to a death which is usually the stage until most Monarchs remained in power over their Kingdoms, during such periods.
This is clearly shown through the seniority and respect the King supposedly receives from his counterparts, through the preliminary stages of the play. The King also has a personal assistant known as the fool, whose humorous character has the intention to calm the King and to give fellowship to the King through what may be seen as difficult times.
His daughters Regan and Goneril particularly are extremely pleasant and respectful of their father, especially when asked to show him the love they have for him as their father.
Goneril: "A love that makes breath poor ...
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This is clearly shown through the seniority and respect the King supposedly receives from his counterparts, through the preliminary stages of the play. The King also has a personal assistant known as the fool, whose humorous character has the intention to calm the King and to give fellowship to the King through what may be seen as difficult times.
His daughters Regan and Goneril particularly are extremely pleasant and respectful of their father, especially when asked to show him the love they have for him as their father.
Goneril: "A love that makes breath poor and speech unable"
From this quote we can see Goneril's craftiness, in that she gives so much pleasure to her father without it coming form the heart, which is a great misconception of Lears' that Goneril is so honest and sweet.
Regan also pleases the King with false hearings.
Regan: ".....find I am alone felicitate
In your dear highness' love".
Regan, as did Goneril, intended to please their father greatly to inherit his land and power out of greed. But through Lear's blindness, he is unable to see this. Again on questions if such a naïve, hopeless character is fit to be in power of a country, i.e. Britain. They attempted to out do one another as Lear promised to part his Kingdom among them in proportions, as their affection for him should seem to deserve. A father or mother would and should share their fortunes equally between their children, with equal love for each. By giving more land to one daughter would show he has more love for that daughter which again is not a fatherly thing to do. But because of Lears pride and arrogance as King, he doesn't seem to realise the techniques his two elder daughters have in place to strip him of his power and fortunes, including the withdrawal of his 100 knights to ensure he will never be able to come into power again, or takeover his Kingdom. 'His Highness' is blinded by egotism.
The most difficult time for King Lear is actually when his daughter Cordelia supposedly 'Under-performs' when asked to show her father her true love for him. At this stage we are able to recognise the expectations of King Lear as King of Britain, in terms of his treatment by others, especially his daughters due to his role.
His response to his daughter Cordelia's actions are also inappropriate, and as a rational reader felt that he overreacted.
As a result of the banishment of his daughter, we are able to see the extreme measures Lear will take for his nobility. I felt that such actions were unnecessary, as there should be a father and daughter relationship, which didn't exist during this stage.
As King of Britain, Lear is the most senior decision maker of Britain at the time, and therefore had additional responsibility to his role as a concerned father, to ensure the performance of the country was exceptional compared to rival countries, hence he had the responsibility to maintain stability for his country, as well as live a family life.
Lear: "Who is it that can tell me who I am?"
Here the King is demanding to be reassured of his role, and does this in a rather eloquent style, with a self-centred deliverance. By doing this, he is questioning his role as King, and does this to bring attention to Cordelias rudeness, in addressing the King.
He obviously felt greatly insulted by this comment as it played upon his mind throughout the following scenes, where he appears to be referring to Cordelia in great disregard. One can again assume that as King, Lear has high expectations, especially from his daughters whom he has brought up in his way, under his rule, and then receives great displeasure out of Cordelias response to a particular question. We also sympathise with Cordelia, as we are able to see her innocence, which Lear cannot, and it is because of this humble and genuine character of Cordelias, that we feel kind-hearted towards her ill treatment.
Cordelia: "So young, my Lord, and true".
This quote has been extracted to show Cordelia's loyalty, and honesty which she has stated in response to Lears comment, who said she was young and untender.
It is also due to Cordelia not having been married, which is another great concern for Lear, who fears the worst for her, especially if his life were to draw to an end.
Cordelias' sisters are happily married to their husbands, hence Regan to the Duke of Cornwall, and Goneril to the Duke of Albany.
From Cordelia's response, we see a humble personality who is honest and loving. It seems her approach is to Love, and be Silent, in contrast to her sisters, with Cordelia feeling empathy towards the well being of her father.
Cordelia is also concerned over the action of her sisters, and feels their hearts were from the lips to deceive their father, which they used to deliver such flattering speeches, which drew such extravagant rewards.
Cordelia as the youngest child we assume has had the most attention due to her living with her father, with King Lear as the only guider, which one assumes as there is no mention of her mother during the course of the play.
Lear also compares her to her sisters who during the beginning stages of the play are crafty in their approach to convince Lear they truly love him, even more so than their husbands, and from this, Cordelia later made an extremely impressive point stating clearly that if she were to have been married, half of her love would be for her husband.
Cordelia: ".... Half my love with him, half my care and duty;" (Act 1)
It is this honest approach of Cordelia that puts Lear in great dismay as Lear was obviously offended by her. Lear wanted all of his children to be married and to enjoy the fortune he had to offer, i.e. his Kingdom, and by Cordelia not exaggerating a performance in contrast to her sisters, Lear disowned her. Cordelias disparity over the situation arises from her sisters comments, as she feels that if they only loved their father, why had they husbands? This is an excellent use of language by Shakespeare, to describe the society and greed of people from this era, hence the want for power and fortunes in preference to love and compassion.
Lear: "And as a stranger to my heart and me" (Act 1)
At this stage Lear is totally unsatisfied with Cordelia and refers to her as a stranger. This is quite significant, as it shows the extremes a King would go to, as a measure in response to not being respected in the way he felt he actually deserved.
During this scene, the extent of the situation can be identified when Lear refers to it as the "Dragon and his wrath". This is a sign, a symbol for Lear, to encapsulate the relationship between him and his youngest daughter, due to his pride and his blindness.
Lear: "Had'st not been born that not t'have pleased me better." (Act 1)
This quote clearly shows that Lear would have preferred to have no daughter, rather than one like Cordelia whom he sees to be betraying him of his deserved love.
As the play progresses, Lear then experiences a period where he feels he has lost his authority due to the treatment of him by his other two daughters Regan and Goneril. He senses disloyalty and is astonished his daughters could do such a thing and remembers his daughter Cordelia, and realises she loved not for gain.
Lear is also starting to realise the plot his other daughters Goneril and Regan had planned for him.
Lear: "..thou art a plague-sore, or embossed carbuncle" (Act 2)
This is part of what Lear had told Goneril prior to his departure to tell her of what he felt for her, and told Regan his love for her remains, though his love for Goneril has diminished, and dislikes the way she has a serpent like look.
After hearing of this he flees his Castle to reconcile with his daughter Cordelia, in an attempt to at least let her know prior to his death, that he has realised she was the honest daughter, which he had blindly overlooked. He feels sympathetic towards Cordelia. He also has left with his army to fight with the enemy.
The stages that follow show the King of Britain, 'King Lear', to enter a period of insanity. As a result of the situation, we can now see that Lear is experiencing changes from his life as King. He is faced with a situation where he realises he is only human.
Lear: "You cataracts and hurricanoes, spout." (Act III).
During Lears' time of insanity, he experiences a phase where he appears to be talking nonsense, and rambles, but it is through this rambling that he begins to realise the truth.
There is a sense of a complete loss of the confidence of this King as a result, which more upsettingly was plotted by his own daughter out of greed. One then questions the true nature of Lear prior to this, as to have his own daughters, whom he cared for and protected, have turned against him, he must have been a malicious character. Or it could be placed upon the bad nature of the two daughters behind the plot.
Lear: "I am a man More sinn'd against than sinning" (Act 3)
Lear feels depressed and sinned against, and is continuously trying to think of possibilities as to why his daughters would have wanted him overthrown and powerless.
Shakespeare has used emotive language in this scene, where we actually begin to sympathise with Lear for the disloyalty of his two daughters Regan and Goneril. He has become wiser, a man.
Lear: "They flattered me like a dog" (Act VI)
He refers to the situation as though he was treated like a dog. For a King to be later realising the truth is highly commendable, and now his developed wisdom gives him the ability to see the past eventualities form a whole new perspective.
Lear begins to realise more after leaving the castle, about life as all others experience it. He also suffers from madness in the disbelief of the whole situation, during which time he makes some impressive comments about society, and problems within society, due to his experience of betrayal. He appears to be experiencing a learning process form what he can sees what he once could not.
He learns to develop a concern for the poor people, and their livelihoods, which he as a King could have done more to improve. He realises his ignorance, and abuse of his noble position in meeting the needs of those who suffer.
The experience gained from his daughters has also allowed him to learn to distinguish appearance from reality, and becomes widely aware of people in general, which he once did not perceive due to his ignorance and it is obvious that the King becomes more of a man.
He also realises his neglect of people for whom he is responsible. He knows he could do more to improve the living standards and the well being of people, of which he developed first hand experience from his absence from his castle.
He would not previously accept his own guilt which was again part of the problem, which ha has learnt to do, and accepts full responsibility for his actions.
Lear: "For as I am a man, I think this lady To be my child Cordelia"
Lear has now been re0united with his daughter after the days of travel through which he faced the best challenges, and where he reached a point of realisation, which enabled him to recognise his faults, which he now tries to rise above. From this quote, we notice he has mentioned the word 'Man', which is what he refers to himself as, in contrast to the prior attitude of King Lear. He also refers to Cordelia as his Child, which is also quite significant as she is matured, a woman, and his reference to her as his 'child' has shown Lear has overcome his ignorance and that he accepts his daughter back so long as she accepts him, of which the love is in abundance.
King Lear has learnt to forgive, a proceeding he was previously unable to do.
Lear: "Pray you now, forget and forgive: I am old and foolish"
Here, he has accepted his guilt, and is able to love his daughter for her true genuine character, which she retained from the time of her banishment.
He has accepted his mistake and as a father, he repents against his actions as King, and has recognised the significance of the whole situation.
As a concluding statement, we are able to see that King Lear had developed himself from an ignorant self-centred King, to a Man. He faced many experiences during the course of his life. This was a result of Love, which he gained at the end, the Betrayal he faced from his daughters Regan and Goneril, and the conflict he had with other characters in this magnificently structured play, by Shakespeare. King Lear's life ended in tragedy, but it is the achievement of King Lear's reconciliation with his daughter Cordelia, and also his realisation of the treachery of his other two daughters, which I so greatly commend.
JAVED-A LAHER
