Examples Of Power In King Lear
Absolute Power Corrupts Completely
Power is a critical aspect of aristocratic society since it provides authority to those who possess it and influences the actions of others. When one is given too much control, it often results in the abuse of power. In the play, King Lear written by Williams Shakespeare, the corrupting and destructive effects of power are witnessed through three significant occurrences: Regan and Goneril betraying King Lear, Edmund deceiving his father and Cornwall abusing his power.
Absolute Power Corrupts Power Completely
Power is a critical aspect of aristocratic society since it provides authority to those who possess it and influences the actions of others. When one is given too much control, it often results in the …show more content…
Regan states “I am made of that self metal as my sister, and prize me at her worth/ I find she homes my very deed of love/ I progress myself as an enemy to all other joys/ And find I am alone/ In your dear Highness’ love” (1.1, 71-80). According in the previous statement, Regan and Goneril are indisputably desperate to attain King Lear’s land and possession. Both sisters learn that the test of claim of love initiated by King Lear is an opportunity to trick the now senile and unstable King. King Lear falls for their insincerity and banishes Cordelia, his favorite daughter. Therefore, it is evident that Goneril and Regan are insatiable of their currents state which leads them to be greedy of King Lear’s wealth. Another occurrence that also illustrates the sister’s betrayal of King Lear is when Goneril states “I love you more than word can wield the matter, dearer than eyesight, space and liberty/ As much as child ‘er loved, or father found/ Beyond all matter of so much I love you” (1.1, 56-63). Goneril is greedy for power as she and her sister begins to conspire against King Lear by pretending to be affectionate with him and abandon him later. This results in Lear leaving behind Cordelia based on his authority and gives his possessions to his other daughters. This reveals that King Lear and his daughters take advantage of their authoritative status. Goneril ostensibly illustrates that power has corrupt her when she states “Hear me, my Lord what you need you five-and twenty, ten, or give, to follow in a house where twice so many have a command to tend you? (2.4, 293-296). This passage illustrates Goneril’s betrayal of King Lear as she and her sister both manage to manipulate their father to surrender his knights to them to gain military power. The daughters of king Lear, Regan and Goneril conspire against King Lear to reduce
Power is a critical aspect of aristocratic society since it provides authority to those who possess it and influences the actions of others. When one is given too much control, it often results in the abuse of power. In the play, King Lear written by Williams Shakespeare, the corrupting and destructive effects of power are witnessed through three significant occurrences: Regan and Goneril betraying King Lear, Edmund deceiving his father and Cornwall abusing his power.
Absolute Power Corrupts Power Completely
Power is a critical aspect of aristocratic society since it provides authority to those who possess it and influences the actions of others. When one is given too much control, it often results in the …show more content…
Regan states “I am made of that self metal as my sister, and prize me at her worth/ I find she homes my very deed of love/ I progress myself as an enemy to all other joys/ And find I am alone/ In your dear Highness’ love” (1.1, 71-80). According in the previous statement, Regan and Goneril are indisputably desperate to attain King Lear’s land and possession. Both sisters learn that the test of claim of love initiated by King Lear is an opportunity to trick the now senile and unstable King. King Lear falls for their insincerity and banishes Cordelia, his favorite daughter. Therefore, it is evident that Goneril and Regan are insatiable of their currents state which leads them to be greedy of King Lear’s wealth. Another occurrence that also illustrates the sister’s betrayal of King Lear is when Goneril states “I love you more than word can wield the matter, dearer than eyesight, space and liberty/ As much as child ‘er loved, or father found/ Beyond all matter of so much I love you” (1.1, 56-63). Goneril is greedy for power as she and her sister begins to conspire against King Lear by pretending to be affectionate with him and abandon him later. This results in Lear leaving behind Cordelia based on his authority and gives his possessions to his other daughters. This reveals that King Lear and his daughters take advantage of their authoritative status. Goneril ostensibly illustrates that power has corrupt her when she states “Hear me, my Lord what you need you five-and twenty, ten, or give, to follow in a house where twice so many have a command to tend you? (2.4, 293-296). This passage illustrates Goneril’s betrayal of King Lear as she and her sister both manage to manipulate their father to surrender his knights to them to gain military power. The daughters of king Lear, Regan and Goneril conspire against King Lear to reduce