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King Lear: Motifs - Online Paper

King Lear: Motifs

Shakespeare uses many motifs to expand on the themes of the story. His most-used
motif revolves around filial responsibility. Each of the two plots contains
characters who betray their fathers. Goneril and Regan flatter their father,
King Lear, and then betray him. The drastic change that occurred in their
attidtude towards their father is clearly evident through Goneril's speech
before:

"Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter; Dearer than eye-sight,
space, and liberty; Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare; No less than life,
with grace, health, beauty, honour; As much as child e'er loved, or father
found; A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable; Beyond all ...

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son, is plotting to ruin
Gloucester. This causes the Earl to banish Edgar and give his title and land to
Edmund.

The ironic misuse of power used by the Earl of Gloucester shows up in both plots.
Gloucester punishes Edgar and later finds that Edmund was the one taking
advantage of him. Similarly, Regan and Goneril gain Lear's favor, while Cordelia
is left 'dowerless' and banished from the kingdom. In the end, though, Cordelia
saves Lear from the betrayal of Goneril and Regan.

Shakespeare develops these major motifs with supporting motifs. He describes how
revenge can affect families and create problems for the characters. He also uses
the senility associated with old age to justify the irrational actions of both
Gloucester and Lear. Gloucester, deceived by Edmund, becomes paranoid of Edgar.
Lear is portrayed as senile form the beginning when he splits his kingdom
between his daughters. He becomes so engrossed by Goneril's and Regan's flattery
that when Cordelia refused to ...

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King Lear: Motifs. (2007, August 12). Retrieved March 26, 2025, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/King-Lear-Motifs/69483

"King Lear: Motifs." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 12 Aug. 2007. Web. 26 Mar. 2025. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/King-Lear-Motifs/69483>

"King Lear: Motifs." Essayworld.com. August 12, 2007. Accessed March 26, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/King-Lear-Motifs/69483.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 8/12/2007 08:28:10 PM
Category: Arts
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 572
Pages: 3

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