Sometimes in life we are lied to in order for that person to get what they desire. However, often these lies do not just benefit the liar but they also lead to much more catastrophic events. Such is the case in the play, King Lear. It occurs with King Lear and his two daughters, King Lear and Kent and Gloucester and his two sons.
We first see this behavior when King Lear decides to retire and is trying to divide his land amongst his daughters. He asks his three daughters to tell him how much they love him and their answer will determine what part of the land they receive. Goneril and Regan try to flatter their father as much as possible and say things such as, "Sir, I love you more than word can wield the matter; Dearer than eyesight, 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 manner of so much I love you." (I.i.56-63) This is Goneril's speech to her father where she is grossly exaggerating how much she loves Lear. Regan goes on to say a similar speech which pleases Lear, however, when it is Cordelia's turn to express herself to her father his mood changes. She says, "I cannot heave my heart into my mouth." (I.i.96-97) She is trying to tell her father that she cannot pretend to love him more than she does. She later goes on to explain that is she should ever marry, like her sisters, than her husband would take half of her heart. Lear is not pleased with Cordelia because she has insulted him in front of a whole court so he does not give her any land and banishes her from England. This is truly ironic because King Lear disowns his one daughter that had real love for him and gives his land to Goneril and Regan. Later in the play the two daughters who had professed so much love for their father disown him and play a large role in his downfall.