King Lear: Illusion
"In King Lear Shakespeare's subject is illusion, and in Lear himself it is shown as an incurable condition" Discuss
King Lear deals with the theme illusion in most of the characters, very few of the characters are true, even those with only good intent. Flattery is one of the most important forms of illusion in the play. Written for an Edwardian audience, the power of flatterers in an absolute system would have been recognised. King Lear has a tragic flaw, which is his pride that prevents him from seeing the true faces of people.
Lear has decided to retire and divide his kingdom among his three daughters and their husbands. His stated intention is to prevent future conflict. This is stupid ...
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he was easily deceived by Goneril and Regan's flattery brought on by him saying
Which of you shall we say doth love us most,
That we our largest bounty may extend
(King Lear I.I.51-52)
This vast reward he offers in return for the confession of love is bound to induce an exaggerated version of feelings to maximise the reward, as Goneril says
Sir, I do love you more than word can wield the
Matter,
(King Lear I.I.54-55)
She then continues with
No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour.
(King Lear I.I.58)
Regan then backs up her sister with
Sir I am made of that self mettle as my sister,
And prize me at her worth. In my true heart
I find she names my very deed of love:
(King Lear I.I.69-71)
She is made of the same stuff as her sister, but it is not love. This obvious flattery deludes Lear, a man making love a commodity cannot truly understand it. It is this illusion that Lear falls for and cannot see; Cordelia in her honesty infuriates Lear, he is under ...
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and he forces it away, like he did with Cordelia and Kent. Brach meaning bitch is probably a reference to Goneril, who will stay in the warmth while the truth is banished. It is only when Lear is banished from both his daughters homes that he finds the truth, he now is also to kennel.
Cordelia herself can be seen as subject to illusion, first honest Burgundy rejects her, but France may have a more sinister reason for marrying her. He swears he loves Cordelia, and marries her, but for what purpose. This is an obvious claim on the British throne, and Shakespeare's audience would have realised this. Even when she has no dowry he says
Aloof from th'entire point. Will you have her?
She ...
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"King Lear: Illusion." Essayworld.com. June 11, 2007. Accessed April 25, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/King-Lear-Illusion/66264.
"King Lear: Illusion." Essayworld.com. June 11, 2007. Accessed April 25, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/King-Lear-Illusion/66264.
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