The Generation Gap In King Lear
One of the underlying themes in Shakespeare's play, King Lear is
the concept of the generation gap. This gap is mainly illustrated between
the family. The older generation is Lear himself, and the younger
generation consists of his daughters Goneril, Regan and Cordelia. In the
second plot of the play, Gloucester represents the older generation, and
his sons, Edmund and Edgar exemplifies the younger generation. Both
younger generations can be divided into two distinct groups. Goneril,
Regan and Edmund are the villains in both the plots and Edgar and Cordelia
are the loyal, faithful children. This little twist adds to the effect of
the generation gap in the play. There are many ...
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can verbally express their
love for him. [Lines 52-53] "Which of you shall say doth love us most?
That we our largest bounty may extend where nature doth with merit
challenge." The land that each daughter received is the extent of their
authority and of their power in the Kingdom. For example, the Duke of
Burgundy did not wish to marry Cordelia after he found out she was getting
nothing from her father. He was marrying her for power and authority.
Goneril's servants show disrespect toward Lear which shows that
Lear's authority and power over them has diminished. An example of this is
Oswald's attitude towards Lear after his daughter, Goneril told him to show
discourtesy towards Lear. [Act 1 scene 4, Lines 75-80] "O, you, sir, you!
Come you hither, sir. Who am I, sir? My Lady's Father. "My Lady's
Father"? My lords knave! You Whoreson dog! You Slave! You Cur!"
Another example of lost authority and power in this act is when
Lear's Fool offers Lear his ...
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man of great power and authority, he cannot fathom having
someone lie to him. It is this naïve approach that leaves him vulnerable
for betrayal. When Lear decided to divide his land to give to his
daughters, it symbolized the turning point in which his power was
relinquished and true loyalties began to unfold. Gloucester showed true
loyalty by aiding Lear in his fight against the evil forces of Goneril and
Regan. In [Act 3 scene 3, Lines 17-20] Gloucester, not knowing of Edmund's
evil intentions, states about Lear "If I die for it, as no less is
threatened me, the King my old master must be relieved. There are strange
things towards, Edmund. Pray you be careful." Without a moments ...
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The Generation Gap In King Lear. (2004, July 30). Retrieved October 30, 2025, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Generation-Gap-In-King-Lear/11811
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"The Generation Gap In King Lear." Essayworld.com. July 30, 2004. Accessed October 30, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Generation-Gap-In-King-Lear/11811.
"The Generation Gap In King Lear." Essayworld.com. July 30, 2004. Accessed October 30, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Generation-Gap-In-King-Lear/11811.
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