Tyrany Of The Villainous Characters In Goneril And Lear

Trace the growing tyranny of the villainous characters in this act and the increasing importance played by the virtuous characters in the play.

The play's villainous characters, predominantly Goneril and Regan, have shown an upsurge in cruelty and vengeance throughout Act 4, whereas moral characters such as Edgar, Cordelia and Albany have simultaneously become increasingly honorable and righteous in their actions. Act 4 presents immense drama and tension through the fued between the forces of good and evil.

Goneril's perception of Albany, who is a good man, as a coward; "the cowish terror of his spirit", reflects her broken, misguided mentality. "O, the difference of man and man! To thee a woman's services are due: my fool usurps my body",

"Think that the clearest gods, who make them honours of men's impossibilities, have preserv'd thee.", shows how quick-witted he is in convincing Gloucester that there is hope for the future.

His goodness and softness is evident in his sympathy and devastation for Lear; "I would not take this from report; it is, and my heart breaks at it". He shows courage, strength and nobility in confronting and killing Oswald, "a serviceable villain", to protect his father. His intentions are unconditionally honest and benevolent, and his decision to show Goneril's treasonous letter to Albany is derived from goodness. His role of virtue becomes increasing important as he aims to gather the forces of good to expose the villains.

Albany is a principled man, and his opposition to his wife Goneril indicates his choice to join the French side. "O Goneril! You are not worth the dust which the rude wind blows in your face." echoes Lear's earlier opinion of Goneril and indicates that the sisters have lost a powerful ally. "Tigers, not daughters, what have you perform'd?" illustrates his dismissal of his wife as a savage, and his objection to her treatment of