King Lear

            I understand that you are interested in hearing about King Lear. This story is about the errors in judgment a king makes .
             while shrouded in a personal darkness. The malice of a large ego and the contempt of power drive the tragedy of this royal family. 2)3)A.C. Bradley remarks, "turning the hearts of the fathers against their children and of children against their fathers" (225) when describing this catastrophic story. In King Lear's pursuit to have his daughters quantify their love, he is blinded to the understanding of how people around him truly feel. This very act sets in motion a series of events that emotionally show a king near the brink of insanity. 4)King Lear's plight is illustrated in several beautifully written lines. King Lear's pursuit to reaffirm love and devotion offers him tragic lessons in betrayal, pride, and the contemplation of his very existence. .
             The story begins with the tired king ready to relinquish his throne and wealth to his three daughters. He announces his decision by saying, 5).
             Tell me, my daughters .
             (since now we will divest us both of rule,.
             Interest of territory, cares of state), .
             Which of you shall we say doth love us most,.
             That we our largest bounty may be extended.
             Where nature doth with merit challenge (I.i.50-55).
             What he does not know is that deceit is all around him and his weaknesses will be exploited by the ones he loves most. Promoted by the selfish need for praise, the very words he wishes to bask in will become the poison of his soul. His two eldest daughters praise their father with lies 6), and a dark collusion for power and control ensues. His youngest 7)Cordelia, tells him, from her noble and true heart, how she truly feels. When her words fall short of his expectation, he remarks "Nothing will come of nothing" (I.i.92). In his blindness, the lack of perceived praise from his daughter and a moral stand by his most loyal servant, makes him cast out two of the people who care for him the most.