King Lear Imperfect Quotes

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Imperfect traits can make for a unique leader whose actions can lead to their demise. An example of this would be the king in Shakespeare’s tragedy, “King Lear”. His traits make him an interesting king and father, who tends to want things to go his way. Throughout the first act, King Lear has many events of overreaction and selfishness. In the beginning of the act, Lear forces each of his daughters to pronounce their love for him, but when Cordelia refuses, the king banishes her and Kent who tries to defend her. At the end of the act, Lear is unsatisfied again with how his other daughters are treating him. King Lear in Act 1 is egotistical and stubborn in order to show his control over a situation. King Lear in Act 1 is egotistical when he repeatedly demonstrates multiple times his need to manipulate people to his favor. In the first part of the act, he forces his daughters to pronounce their love for him in order for them to acquire their inheritance and maintain their dowry. “Which of …show more content…

It is proven multiple times throughout the act, King Lear has a hard time compromising. This is particularly due to his inability to see things from another point of view. While Kent is trying to calm Lear down after banishing Cordelia, Lear responds with, “The bow is bent and drawn. Make from the shaft” (I.i.160). Lear won’t even let Kent talk to him or try and change his mind. The King’s pride is too hurt after being embarrassed in front of Cordelia to think rationally and listen to his advisor, Kent. In the end, when Lear makes up his mind, it is almost impossible to compromise it. It also is not helpful when Lear makes quick decisions like the banishment of Cordelia and Kent. Also, if he does not get his way, he would most likely throw a fit of violence and name calling until the situation changes in his favor. However, this does not make every action or word from King Lear

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