What Are King Lear's Mistakes
Throughout William Shakespeare's King Lear, many characters make mistakes that cost them greatly. The characters are all blind to something, misinterpreting other character's actions and emotions. Their disregard results in tragedy in the world around them and brings about the rise and fall of the kingdom of Lear.
In the first scene, the audience sees Lear proclaiming to his three daughters that in order to be awarded their dowries they must first express their love accordingly to him. Goneril uses wit, deceit and Lear naivety to create such an indulgent speech of which no father could disapprove: "I love you more than word can wield the matter; Dearer than eyesight, space and liberty, Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare, No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honor;... Beyond all matter of so much I love you" (1.1.55-61)
At this point in the play, the audience is introduced to Goneril's true personality. It is not until we hear all three …show more content…
Goneril and Regan tell Lear exactly what he wants to hear; that they both love him more than anything, even their husbands. Lear seems to be entertained by the fact that each daughter is competing against one another for his love and trust. It is for this reason, when, unlike her sisters, Cordelia finds it hard to lie and Lear acts in the way that he does. "Let it be so! Thy truth then be they dower!... Here I disclaim all my paternal care... And, as a stranger to my heart and me Hold thee from this forever... Be as well neighbored, pitied, and relieved As thou my sometime daughter" (1.1.108-119) Lear's anger-ridden speech does not hide his frustration, and it is obvious that this will have a negative impact later in the play. Driven by his blindness, Lear begins to make many mistakes. He not only loses his devoted daughter; but also banishes his most loyal servant,
In the first scene, the audience sees Lear proclaiming to his three daughters that in order to be awarded their dowries they must first express their love accordingly to him. Goneril uses wit, deceit and Lear naivety to create such an indulgent speech of which no father could disapprove: "I love you more than word can wield the matter; Dearer than eyesight, space and liberty, Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare, No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honor;... Beyond all matter of so much I love you" (1.1.55-61)
At this point in the play, the audience is introduced to Goneril's true personality. It is not until we hear all three …show more content…
Goneril and Regan tell Lear exactly what he wants to hear; that they both love him more than anything, even their husbands. Lear seems to be entertained by the fact that each daughter is competing against one another for his love and trust. It is for this reason, when, unlike her sisters, Cordelia finds it hard to lie and Lear acts in the way that he does. "Let it be so! Thy truth then be they dower!... Here I disclaim all my paternal care... And, as a stranger to my heart and me Hold thee from this forever... Be as well neighbored, pitied, and relieved As thou my sometime daughter" (1.1.108-119) Lear's anger-ridden speech does not hide his frustration, and it is obvious that this will have a negative impact later in the play. Driven by his blindness, Lear begins to make many mistakes. He not only loses his devoted daughter; but also banishes his most loyal servant,