King Lear Cordelia Quotes

An individual who judges another individual, or an emotion, is no less than a criminal. He/she fails to see the truth. They could be blinded by their ego. Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, “King Lear,” also shows the belief by the masses in appearance over the (verses) reality. King Lear’s ego blinds him, hence he misjudges his daughters, Goneril, Regan and Cordelia. Lear’s misjudgement leads him to disown Cordelia, his only faithful daughter. Goneril and Regan, are greedy for Lear’s money, and power. Therefore, they are willing to do anything to appease Lear. Unfortunately, Lear’s blindness leads to his downfall (tragic flaw), and the death of Cordelia. If Lear’s ego did not blind him, he would have possibly saved Cordelia from her death. Lear

Mend your speech a little, lest you may mar your fortunes.” Prior to this quote, Lear asks his three daughters to express their love for Lear with words. He is pleased by Goneril and Regan’s response. However, Cordelia’s response angers Lear. Angered Lear threatens Cordelia that if she does not express her love, she may lose her fortunes. Poor Cordelia hopes that her actions reflected her love over time, rather than her words. The above-mentioned quote is further proof that Lear judges the appearance, rather than the reality. Love should be judged by actions, instead of just words. Words alone do not tell the truth. One can say one thing, but feel the opposite. He/she who is extremely poor are assumed to be feebleminded, similarly the fool, in “King Lear ,” is assumed to be extremely dumb. Many scholars can argue that he is the smartest character in the play. Shakespeare teaches us to judge a person based on their actions. The public always overlooks the reality, and judge another individual or emotion by the appearance, likewise Lear judges Cordelia’ love based on her words, rather than her actions. The quote mentioned above is merely an example of the belief in appearance over

A possible example could be discrimination between classes. In other words, those who are extremely poor are looked down upon by the wealthy. Cordelia does not put on an appearance, similarly the poor do not put on an appearance. There are many successful personalities who lacked financial personalities, but they persevered. After his family’s business failed, Shakespeare was pulled out of school. He lacked a university degree, yet he became the greatest writer to ever live. Circumstances do not stop one. One’s faith is determined by diligence, instead of the class he/she belongs to, or their wealth. Some individuals, who belong to the lowest class, have a ridiculous work ethic. It is said that Shakespeare had a ridiculous work ethic. He worked day and night to become the great writer, he is known to be. Character truly defines a person. They maybe blinded by their ego, or misjudgement, alike Lear’s ego blinds him from judging Cordelia’s love. All the reasons must be considered before judging another individual, unlike Lear fails to judge Cordelia’s love, he does not consider her actions. He/she who judges another individual based on their appearance is no less than a fool. Appearances can lie, but the reality is always honest. Cordelia is thought to be Lear’s disloyal daughter, but she returns to protect her father. Cordelia’s appears to unlove her father. In reality, she is Lear’s only