King Lear’s Dysfunctional Family
...ore from him. Lear is blind to their deception and praises their spoken devotion to him. Were Cordelia his favorite simply states; “Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave my heart into my mouth. I love your majesty according to my bond, no more nor less”(l. l. 92-94). Lear was shocked by her answer and pushes her to say more, but Cordelia refuses. Enraged over her response she is banishes from the kingdom, it is foolish on Lear’s part for it appears that he is trying to buy his daughters love. As soon as Cordelia leaves, Regan and Goneril begin to plot, but can you blame them. Regan and Goneril knows that Cordelia was their fathers favorite and are pleased to see her leave. Goneril even states “He always loved our sister most, and with what poor judgement he hath now cast her off appears too grossly”(l. l. 292-293). We can only assume that King Lear has shown his favoritism to Cordelia so much in front of Regan and Goneril that it has hurt them so deep inside that now is the perfect opportunity to get revenge. Goneril is particularly more determined to deny her father the privileges that he expects. She clearly voices her contempt for Lear by using phrases like “idle old mam” and “old fool.” Lear’s again has greatly upset Goneril by the striking of Oswald, Goneril’s “gentleman” steward, now she hastens her desire to strip her old father of all remaining power and dignity. Goneril is so eager to now get rid of her father, whom she considers to be a fool that in order to weaken his power and encourage him to leave, she dismisses fifty of his knights. Lear is infuriated at her brazen action that he has curse her sterility. Lear has again contributed to the way his daughter will treat him. Regan is sent a message from Goneril to gain her support and clarifying the scheme against their father. She then goes and visit Gloucester to seek his advice, were she pretends that she wants help in trying to settle the tensions between her sister and father. While at Gloucester’s castle Regan immediately allies herself with the evil Edmund, who has been outcast because of his background by his father and also seeks revenge. She openly expresses her horror at the supposed treason of Edgar; She states “ If it be true, all vengence comes too short which can pursue th’offender. How dost, my lord?” ( 2. 1. 87-88). She blames her father for having an evil influence on Edgar since he was his godfather. Regan next tries to manipulate Gloucester’s good will to her advantage, praising his honor profusely she states “Wherein we must have use of your advice” (2. 1. 124). Goneril and Regan have stunned Lear with the affection shared between the two of them. Suddenly it dawns ...