To what extent are Lear and Cordelia responsible for the tragic end of their life?

Answer

To what extent are Lear and Cordelia responsible for the tragic end of their life?

or, Consider Cordelia as a tragic character.

“King Lear,” written by William Shakespeare (1564-1616) between 1605-06, is a famous tragedy. The play depicts the tragedy of King Lear, who loses his throne, his only good daughter, and his life.

In the play, Lear divides his kingdom among his three daughters – Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia. However, he fails to see the goodness of Cordelia’s heart and disowns her. He becomes flattered by Goneril and Regan and divides his kingdom between the two. Later, Goneril and Regan exile their father from their castles into a stormy night. The tragic end of King Lear and Cordelia in this play is a culmination of various factors, including their actions, the actions of others, and the circumstances they find themselves in.

Lears’ Hubris: Lear’s tragic downfall primarily stems from his hubris, rash decisions, and flawed judgment. At the beginning of the play, Lear is depicted as a proud king. He expects love but is unable to identify flattery and genuine love. He fails to recognize Cordelia’s love.

“I love your majesty

According to my bond, no more nor less.” – Cordelia, Act 1, Scene 1

Lear banishes Cordelia for speaking truthfully. Lear’s decision to disown Cordelia and divide the kingdom between Goneril and Regan set the stage for chaos.

Impulsive Action:  Lear is impulsive in his actions. He quickly banishes his daughter and Kent, the few good characters in the play. When Kent advises the King not to disown his daughter Cordelia, Lear says,

“Peace, Kent.

Come not between the dragon and his wrath.” – Act 1, Scene 1

Lear’s impulsive actions follow him from the throne into exile.

Cordelia’s Honesty: Cordelia, on the other hand, embodies the virtues of honesty, loyalty, and compassion. However, her role in the tragic end is complex. While she bears no direct responsibility for Lear’s initial decisions, her refusal to flatter him in the opening scene sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to tragedy. Cordelia’s honesty, though noble, is perceived as disobedience by Lear. It leads to her banishment and separation from her father.

Cordelia’s Late Arrival: Despite Cordelia’s genuine love for Lear, her absence during his descent into madness contributes to Lear’s vulnerability and eventual demise. Though Cordelia returns to reconcile with Lear, her late arrival proves futile in preventing tragedy.

Vengeance: Cordelia’s decision to lead an army against her sisters can be seen as a contributing factor to the tragic end. The military of Goneril, Regan, and Edmund captures Cordelia and hangs her. While Cordelia’s intentions are noble—to restore Lear’s rightful place and challenge the tyranny of her sisters—the pursuit of vengeance ultimately leads to her capture and subsequent death. Cordelia’s inability to navigate her sisters’ political intrigue and ruthless tactics contributes to her downfall.

At the end, Lear walks onstage holding Cordelia’s body. He says,

“Howl, howl, howl, howl! O, you are men of stones!” – Act 5, Scene 3

Lear is so shaken by her loss that he cannot tell why others are not howling with sadness. The old King Leare dies there.

In conclusion, Lear and Cordelia’s tragic end results from their flaws and the cruel schemes of the world around them. While Lear’s hubris and Cordelia’s honesty contribute to their downfall, they are also victims of circumstance and the actions of those around them.