Motifs in Shakespeares King Lear :: King Lear essays

Motifs in King Lear Shakespeare uses m any(prenominal) themes to expand on the themes of the story. His most-usedmotif revolves around filial responsibility. Each of the two plots containscharacters who betray their fathers. Goneril and Regan flatter their father,King Lear, and then betray him. The drastic change that occurred in theirattidtude towards their father is clearly unmixed through Gonerils speechbefore Sir, I roll in the hay you more than words can wield the matter Dearer than eye-sight,space, and liberty Beyond what can be valued, recondite or rare No less than life,with grace, health, beauty, honour As much as child eer loved, or fatherfound A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable Beyond all manner of somuch I love you.              (Act I, Sc i, Ln 57-63) and after she had beenallotted one half(prenominal) of the kingdom Tis his own blame hath put himself fromrest, And must needs taste his folly. &nb sp                   (Act II, Sc ii, Ln289-290) They both were interested only in getting Lears land, and used any meansnecessary to get it. Edmund, in the other plot of the play, deceives his fatherin order to gain his favor. Edmund, the Earl of Gloucesters bastard son, tellshis father that Edgar, Gloucesters legitimate son, is plotting to ruinGloucester. This causes the Earl to oust Edgar and give his title and land toEdmund. 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 utility of him. Similarly, Regan and Goneril gain Lears favor, while Cordeliais left dowerless and banished from the kingdom. In the end, though, Cordeliasaves Lear from the betrayal of Goneril and Regan. Shakespeare develops these major motifs with supporting motifs. He describes howrevenge can affect families and create pr oblems for the characters. He also usesthe second childhood associated with old age to justify the irrational actions of bothGloucester and Lear. Gloucester, deceived by Edmund, becomes paranoid of Edgar.Lear is portrayed as senile form the beginning when he splits his kingdom among his daughters. He becomes so engrossed by Gonerils and Regans flatterythat when Cordelia refused to cater to his wishes, he banishes her in a fit ofrage. Using the various motifs, Shakespeare makes many thematic statements virtuallyfilial responsibility. Without scrutiny, many children will become overtaken bygreed and attempt to get their parents wealth by any means. Some children willremain considerably at heart, but it is difficult to predict which children will honortheir parents.