King lear
King lear -ACT ONE, SCENE ONE KING LEAR
Lines 248 – 260
It is said by Lear that it would have been better if Cordelia “hadst not been born than not t’have pleased me better”, but France supports her by referring to her as “Fairest Cordelia” to put her into a better light. As France is portrayed as a “true gentleman” his views and opinions are respected more by the audience than Lear’s, because Lear appears to the viewers as an egotistical and cruel man. Therefore, when France describes Cordelia as being “rich” but “poor”, “Most choice” yet “forsaken” and “most loved” though “despised!” the audience sees a major contrast through these paradoxes and agrees with France. This makes Lear look as if he is doing something “monstrous” as his opinion differs so much from France’s. The fact that Lear is saying such shocking things about his daughter who he earlier called “our joy” shows that his words are not to be trusted.
Lear’s ‘monstrous” behaviour is greatly emphasised by the different language techniques that France uses, such as the use of the paradoxes and the rhyming couplets like “my chance” with “fair France” and “cold’st neglect” to “inflamed respect”. By using these methods, stress is put onto the point that is being made by France and therefore is more explicit to the audience. France also uses loaded verbs to describe Lear’s actions, including “cast” and “thrown”, to suggest that Lear is being harsh and barbaric towards Cordelia, as these verbs sound aggressive.
Lines 237 – 239
When France remarks that “Love’s not love” when it is “mingled with regards” that stand “Aloof from th’entire point” he reveals a major issue that arises in this play. By saying this, he means that when there are other things being considered at the same time as love, the love cannot be true, as love should never be conditional. This is being directed towards King Lear and Burgundy, as being a father and a prospective husband, respectively, they should have unconditional love for Cordelia, which they evidently do not have. King Lear disowned his daughter within seconds because she didn’t “mend” her “speech a little” to boost her father’s ego and the result of this was that she would “mar” her “fortunes”. Burgundy, a possible suitor for Cordelia, stated that she would “lose a husband” unless he got his “portion” of the King’s wealth, which was to be his dowry.
Lines 261 – 265
King Lear expresses his disgust of Cordelia by announcing to everyone that he has “no such daughter” and that he never wants to see “That face of hers again”. His tone is spiteful and dismissive towards his once favourite daughter and shows the audience how callous and cold-hearted he is. From this remark we can see that he is egotistical, superficial and materialistic. Lear has let the power of being King and his position next to God go...
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