King Lear

Question:

Answers:

1. 
   bmadnick Teacher
   High School - 11th Grade

   At first, Goneril and Regan join forces against Lear and Cordelia because Lear has always favored their younger sister. Lear has never hidden his favoritism of Cordelia, so we can understand why Goneril and Regan resent both Lear and Cordelia. As the play continues, however, the two sisters turn into cruel, power-hungry women who seem to have no conscience. Goneril and Regan fawn over their father, telling him what he wants to hear. Goneril especially seems to enjoy treating Lear with contempt and manipulating him to do what she wants. When Goneril gets half of Lear's kingdom, she loves the power this gives her. This desire for more power only increases her desire for revenge. Regan doesn't usually come up with the ideas of what to do, but she eagerly goes along with Goneril's plans. Regan's enjoyment of Gloucester's eyes being ripped from his head is horrendous and shows that she is just as deadly as Goneril.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/kl/goneril-character-analysis

   http://www.enotes.com/kl/other-characters-descriptions

   Rate answer:

    

   • Flag as inappropriate

   Posted by bmadnick on Wednesday June 18, 2008 at 9:50 PM
   
   

You can now ask questions directly from Facebook, add the Ask a Teacher App from eNotes!