Cordelia's Rejection Of Cordelia In King Lear

As Mr. Kent theatrically acts out Lear’s rejection of Cordelia in King Lear, he communicates Shakespeare’s intention in his every word. Cordelia’s honesty to her father is an attempt to make the reality of his position as a father and a respected leader evident, but her attempts fall when she is banished. Mr. Kent then goes on to explain Edmund’s betrayal of Edgar and Gloucester’s fall for the plot. The parallels between these two storylines taking place simultaneously is hinted to the listener as Shakespeare intended to highlight the differences and similarities between Cordelia and Edgar. As their characters are developed throughout the play, Cordelia and Edgar are contrasted in their approaches to conflict. The distinct relationships that

Cordelia is doubtful of her sisters’ every intention. When her sisters are falsely flattering Lear, Cordelia says “Love, and be silent,” mocking Goneril and Regan secretly (1.1; 68). She is able to see beyond their facades, but does not directly accuse them of it. Instead, she is honest to her father. Though her sisters and she is aware that Lear would not receive criticism as his motives are for self flattery, Cordelia takes the moral high ground to not take part in the actions she criticizes: deceit. Though she sacrifices herself and her relationship with her father, she is able to make Lear’s selfish intentions evident to him, and so Goneril and Regan. On the other hand, Edgar receives Edmund’s deception blindly. He trusts Edmund’s every claim. When he is about to run away, he asks his brother, “shall I hear from you in anon?” pleading for his brother to stay in contact with him (1.2.495). He only realizes the deception when he meets his blind and abandoned father. Through uncalculated trust, Edgar is sacrificed unknowingly. While Cordelia makes calculated self sacrifices, which conspire to have a fulfilling product, Edgar, because of his innocence, is sacrificed without