The Development of the Character of King Lear

“King Lear” is one of the most complicated of all Shakespeare's plays. It is about political authority as much as it is about family dynamics. It is a ruthless play, filled with human cruelty and awful, nonsensical disasters.

Lear, an autocratic leader, is the king of Britain and has three daughters, Regan, Cordelia and Goneril. Regan and Goneril are cold, heartless and selfish, whereas Cordelia, the youngest is quite the contrary, honest, realistic and straightforward.

Lear is introduced with trumpets and crown. The symbol of his authority is carried before him. This gives the audience the picture of a King who can command respect and has the ability to speak with eminence. His first form of speech is spoken with the royal `we': “Meanwhile, we shall express our darker purpose.” Lear uses a lot of commanding language for example “Give me the map there...'

This language gives the audience the impression that Lear is a King not to be tempered with. He knows how to use his authority to his full advantage and he uses it quite successfully. Lear gives a formal announcement about the division of his kingdom. It is to be shared between his three daughters, and Lear means to give the best portion to the most deserving - the one who can make the greatest show of love, who in his heart he hopes will be Cordelia. He has already apportioned the land between his daughters, so the `love test' is in fact meaningless: but the king enjoys flattery! The `love test' shows us how foolish and egotistic Lear can be at times. Being deceitful as they are, Goneril and Regan readily play their part, giving a fulsome description of their love that quickly wins their father's approval. Cordelia answers her father plainly, with sincerity, intel...

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... him but because he has understood the sincerity and depth of her love for him. At Cordelia's tragic death, Lear cannot believe what his eyes tell him is all too true, and he searches for any sign of life: "do you see this? Look on her, look her lips."

The old man ` I am a very foolish, fond old man..' has found a new humanity in this final calamity. Kent tries to attract Lear's notice and gain and recognition for his service as Caius, but the king cannot understand and will not concentrate. All that matters to him now is his child Cordelia, and he must be granted a short peace of time to grieve over her body.

Kent the loyal messenger decides to guard Lear in his grave where he is dead. The audience can now conclude that Lear has fulfilled his human potential as both a father and a king, he has fully matured and that fruit can now be picked off the tree.