A Family’s Betrayal King Lear is a play written by William Shakespeare. Academic researchers do not know an exact date of when it was published, however they know it was towards the early 1600’s. King Lear is an aging English King, who is trying to divide his kingdom among his three daughters. Before his daughters can have their share, they must prove their love to their father. In this literary piece, there are many themes throughout, including courage, deceit, unconditional love, forgiveness, and treachery. The theme that is most prevalent in this poem is familial dysfunction. Family can be defined as, “a group of people related by blood or marriage or a strong common bond, such as those descended from a common ancestor, or a husband, wife, and their children” (Medical Dictionary). Dysfunction’s definition is, “Failure to achieve or sustain a behavioral norm or expected condition, as in a social relationship” (Medical Dictionary). King Lear exhibits family dysfunction in his desire to be loved the most, and he puts his daughters to a test resulting in heart break and betrayal. King Lear decided it was time to divide his country between his three daughters. This was due to his advancing years as being a monarch. The play states, “Give me the map there. Know that we have divided In three our kingdom; and ’tis our fast intent… 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?” (Shakespeare 1.1.36-50). The two oldest daughters, Goneril and Regan gave the …show more content…
“Family.” The Free Dictionary, Farlex, medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/family. Greenblatt, Stephen, Carol Christ, Alfred David, Barbara Lewalski, Lawrence Lipking, M. The Norton Anthology of English Literature, Volume 1 (HOLMES CC), 9th Edition. W. W. Norton & Company, 12/15. [Bookshelf