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After reading this play, I found it hard to believe that Cordelia was being anything but true in her simple proclamation of love for her father. I cant believe that Shakespeare was trying to portray her as a spoiled, prideful child. I do not believe she was foolish in her decision to restrain from trying to persuade him into giving her a larger portion of his kingdom. I think it was apparent early that Cordelia was struggling with what she was going to say to her father. In her asides she says, What shall Cordelia speak? Love, and be silent (I, i, ln 62), and after Regan spoke, Then poor Cordelia; And yet not so, since I am sure my loves more ponderous than my tongue. (I, i, ln 76 - 78).
It is obvious that she loves her father, but she cant express it the way in which Lear wants her to. Because of this, she is disowned and sent away to France. The King even refers to her as, Unfriended, new adopted to our hate, downed with our curse, and stranger with our oath. (I, i, ln 203 - 204). Cordelia's love for her father was shown further when she received the letters concerning Lears mental state after being mistreated by his two other daughters.
It was said that, now and then an ample tear trilled down her delicate cheek. (IV, iii, ln 12 - 13). Cordelia then orders for some of the French soldiers to bring Lear to her so that she can look after him before the war between Britain and the French soldiers begins. Her love was further displayed when she says, But love, dear love, and our aged fathers right. Soon may I hear and see him! (IV, iv, ln 28 - 29). Because of all of this, I firmly believe that Cordelia truly loved her father and was only being honest when she refused to profess her love for him in order to rule a portion of Britain. Besides believing that Cordelia was true in her response, I also think that Lear was acting as a fool when he disowned his only loving daughter.
He made a monumental mistake when he handed over British rule to his two evil daughters, Regan and Goneril. This is what eventually led to his mental breakdown and the deaths of many of the heads of Britain. If he had only chose to keep control over his kingdom or to give up control to someone trustworthy, no one would have had to suffer as they did. Some people knew he was committing a terrible folly, especially the Earl of Kent.
This is apparent when he says, Think thou that duty shall have dread to speak when power to flattery bows? To plainness honors bound when majesty falls to folly. Reserve thy state, and in thy best consideration check this hideous rashness. (I, i, ln 147 - 151). Lear ignores this plea and even banishes Kent, who returns later, disguised as a servant. Another person to recognize his mistake is the fool. In one of his rhymes, he says, That lord that counselled thee to give away thy land, come place him here by me Do thou for him stand.
The sweet and bitter fool will presently appear; the one in motley here, the other found out there. (I, iv, ln 133 - 140). After giving all his power to Regan and Goneril, they reject him, kicking him out of their houses. This treatment of Lear drives him mad and he wishes that he had never given away his power or disowned Cordelia. This can be seen when he states, No, you unnatural hags! I will have such revenges on you both that all the world shall-I will do such things-What they are, yet I know not; but they shall be the terrors of the earth. (II, iv, ln 273 - 277). It would take an entire book to explain all the ramifications of his great folly.
However, I can say that the deaths of Goneril, Regan, Cordelia, and of himself may be attributed to his mistake. He also caused a war between Britain and France that should not have occurred. I believe it is clear that Lear acted as a fool when giving his land to Goneril and Regan, but not to Cordelia.
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