Make a comparative study of the three daughters in “King Lear”

Answer

Make a comparative study of the three daughters in “King Lear”

“King Lear” (1608) is one of the most famous plays in the history of English literature, written by William Shakespeare (1564-1616). In the play, he portrays three daughters of the titular character: Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia. Each daughter represents different aspects of human nature and responds differently to their father’s demands.

Lear’s Division of the Kingdom: In the play’s opening scene, King Lear decides to divide his kingdom among his daughters based on their professions of love for him. His elder daughter, Goneril, reveals her love for her father in a high-flown language. She says:

“Dearer than eyesight space and liberty; Beyond what can be valu’d, rich or rare; no less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour.”

Lear’s second daughter expresses the same things as Goneril. While the flattery of Goneril and Regan deceives Lear, the audience sees through their façad and recognizes their insincerity and ulterior motives. Ironically, the king is highly pleased with their flattery of showy love and gives a good portion of his kingdom to each of them. But when Lear’s third daughter, Cordelia, reveals her realistic love for her father, her father becomes dissatisfied with this answer. Cordelia tells her father,

  “I love your majesty. According to my fond, not more nor less,” 

It turns into a verbal irony enraging the king, who disowns her cruelly and divides her portion of the land between her two sisters. This disconnect between Lear’s perception and the audience’s knowledge intensifies the impending tragedy.

Goneril: Goneril is the eldest daughter of King Lear, and she originally appears to be dutiful and obedient. However, she quickly reveals her true nature as cunning and manipulative, especially in her treatment of her father after he divides his kingdom. Goneril’s ambition and hunger for power drive her actions, leading her to deceive Lear and mistreat him once she gains control. She is portrayed as ruthless and lacking in empathy. She