Actions of Goneril in Shakespeares King Lear Essay

Actions of Goneril in Shakespeares King Lear Whenever the issue of power allocation arises, there usually emerge a few individuals who, given only a moderate amount of authority, overstep their bounds to exert more dominance than they rightfully own; such is the case with Goneril. Yet, although Goneril certainly errs in betraying the very father that bestowed a large dominion upon her, King Lear deserves much of the blame for Gonerils haughtiness. After grossly misinterpreting the reticence of his heretofore prized daughter Cordelia, Lear divides his kingdom between the mendacious Goneril and the scheming Regan, thereby leaving the fate of the land at their unskilled mercies. Naturally, Goneril relishes her newfound control, so†¦show more content†¦Gonerils first underhanded act, falsely professing an exalted love for her father solely in order to gain more land, does not constitute an isolated incident; Lears blindness to the love of Cordelia fosters Gonerils megalomaniacal tendencies as well as permits likeminded Regan, of the self-same metal that [Goneril] is, to commit the same trespass (1.1, 69). Although Goneril speaks first and delivers a very calculated response, Cordelias genuine, candid answer should have trumped the transparent rejoinders of her sisters. Instead, Lear falls victim to their ploy and invests far too much command in Goneril; she responds as would anyone of her ambitious disposition and decides that she must do something, and i the heat, meaning take advantage of Lears burgeoning infirmity (1.1, 308). The second contention for Gonerils wickedness stems from her ordering Oswald, a steward, to snub Lears men, and from her extreme exaggeration of the mens supposedly decadent antics. This argument, however, does not take into account the sentiments of Goneril as a married woman, a lady of the house. In saying, if he dislike it, let him to our sister, she reveals her intent to use negligent servants as a modus operandus for getting Lear out of her castle and on the road to that of Regan (1.3, 14). The mere act of begrudging a former king some of the luxury surrounding his previous position hardly seemsShow MoreRelated The Importance of the First Two Scenes in King Lear1568 Words   |  7 PagesThe Importance of the First Two Scenes in King Lear      Ã‚  Ã‚   King Lear, as I see it, confronts the perplexity and mystery of human action. 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