NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote
In the Shakespearean tragedy King Lear, the two patriarchs Lear and Gloucester are different, yet they do have their similarities. Lear is an old King who no longer wants the responsibility of running the kingdom and its land. He therefore decides to divide his land in three, and present a piece to each of his daughters. This already shows a glimpse of Lears character; he is not too bright. He is and has been king for some time; he knew the responsibility of being King, yet he now no longer wants it. This shows how he is irresponsible and lazy.
Also, in dividing up his land, he is being un- wise, a peasant, let alone a King would or should know that one should never divide up a country. Thus comes the saying, divide and conquer. Gloucester, however seems to be a rather responsible man. He has helped conceive a bastard son, during that era, a bastard was usually never thought of, let alone educated, cared for and loved.
Gloucester cares for, and loves his bastard son Edmund, as much as his legitimate son, Edgar. But I have also a son, sir, by order of law, some year elder/ than this, who yet is no dearer to my account: (I, i, 18 - 19) Lear and Gloucester also have their similarities that are shown throughout act I, scenes i and ii. They are both rash and jump to conclusions. Lear was rash in his decision to banish, with the threat of killing, his long time friend, Kent. All Kent did was look out for Lear, and try to reason with him. Even after Kent has been banished, he continues to look out for the well being of his friend.
And your large speeches may/ your deeds approve, / That good effects may spring from words of love. (I, i, 183 - 184) Lear also jumps to conclusions when Cordelia tells him of her love for him. He thinks that she does not love him. So young, and so untended? (I, i, 105) He is also rash when this happens; he disowns Cordelia. He refuses to see the truth, which he knows; that Cordelia loves him the most.
He gives her no dowry, and worst of all he disowns her. He says that he never wants to see his once most beloved daughter. Let it be so; thy truth be thy dower: (I, i, 107) I love her most, and thought to set my rest/ On her kind nursery. (I, i, 122 - 123) Gloucester also jumps to conclusions and is rash at times. When he is told of the alleged letter from Edgar to Edmund.
He believes the letter, not once thinking it may be forged. This just proves how he believes his own son; his own flesh and blood could want to kill him, for no apparent reason. Edgar- Hum! Conspiracy! (I, ii, 52 - 53) To add to his immediate belief of the letter, Gloucester demonstrates how he is rash and wants to see Edgar, his son, punished. O villain, villain! His very opinion in the letter! / Abhorred villain!
Unnatural, detested, brutish villain! / worse than brutish! Go, sirrah, seek him; Ill apprehend/ him. Abominable villain! Where is he? (I, ii, 71 - 74) Other similarities that the patriarchs posses, is that they are both caring fathers. Lear had been a very caring father to his youngest daughter, Cordelia. That is before he disowned her, of course.
Gloucester also seems to be a caring father, merely in the fact that, as I once stated before, he cares for his bastard son as much as his legitimate son. In conclusion, the reader can see how the two men, Lear and Gloucester are both different, and similar. Keep in mind this has only been the first two scenes. Who knows what the patriarchs have in store for us yet.
Free research essays on topics related to: lear, lear and gloucester, gloucester, villain, rash
Research essay sample on Analysis Of The Two Patriarchs From King Lear
