The scene I have chosen to analyse is act 1, scene 1 mainly because Lear's dominating speech sets the mood for the novel King Lear. "Meantime we shall express our darker purpose" (1.1.31) with this one sentence it is inevitable that the theme of this novel is dramatic drama. Through the progression of Lear's speech, his plan unfolds. Knowing Lear's life is coming to an end, we soon learn he's decided to pass on his kingdom equally between his daughters "To shake all cares and business from our age- (1.1.34). Through the deceit of his two eldest daughters, we begin to whiteness the demise of the kingdom.
Lear allows all his daughters a chance to portray their cases one by one "Which of you shall we say doth love us most, that we our largest bounty may extend" (1.1.45), and will determine their share of the kingdom in regards to their answers. Gonerill, the eldest of the three daughters presents her case first "Sir, I love you more than word can wield matter- (1.1.50) expressing her love as all encompassing. Regan adds that she is enemy to other joys "I find she names my very deed of love. Only she comes too short- (1.1.66). Lear gives each their third of the kingdom wishing them well. It is at this point the responder begins to ponder if Lear already had this planned as each daughter has received an equal share. .
Cordelia, as the youngest and most liked daughter, is saved the choicest piece of land. However, she responds to her father's request by saying she has nothing to add. She strongly explains that her love for her father is nothing more or less than their obligation entitles, and will save some of her love for a husband allows. She also states that her sisters have deceived him as they have husbands, yet they throw themselves at his feet "Why have my sister's husbands, if they say they love you all?" (1.1.96). Lear is outraged by this, but gives Cordelia a chance to restate her case "But goes thy heart with this?" (1.