It is clear throughout the story there is a theme of the relationship between fathers and their children. That relationship is drawn from a parallel between Cordelia and Edgar, as they are both facing a similar course of events. Their fathers as well share a commonality in how they both act in both neglecting them. There are hidden values presented within these corresponding situations, and as we shift the focus to breaking down Cordelia and Edgar, we observe how fathers can treat their children unfairly.
Recent readings have suggested that Cordelia is essentially a victim and that Shakespeare, although he presents her in some ways as strong and independent, finally had to undercut her strength and assign her to die (Bruce W. Young). However, it is not only
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They were truly the ones who had always abided by their fathers and can be seen as the ones who truly loved them the most. Even on the verge of being disowned, Cordelia speaks to her sisters, “Your faults are as they are named.. Love well our father.. To your professed bosoms I commit him.. But yet, alas, stood I within his grace.. I would prefer him to a better place.” She proclaimed to her sister for them to take care of their father. She even implies a criticism that if their love for him is to be so greatly as they say, they shall make sure their father is made aware of it by their actions not their voice. Edgar is also neglected by his father, after Edmund persuades their father that Edgar is planning to kill his father in an attempt to increase his inheritance to the throne. Gloucester even recognizes the mistake he made in believing Edmund after he found out that it was he who made up this accusation of Edgar and accused him of treason.