Mention the tragic fall of each of the daughters of King Lear.
PremiumMention the tragic fall of each of the daughters of King Lear. (2021)
William Shakespeare (1564–1616) wrote “King Lear” around 1605–1606. It is a great tragedy about family, pride, and punishment. The three daughters—Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia—meet tragic ends for their choices. Their deaths show how evil and goodness both lead to sorrow.
Goneril’s Pride and Jealousy: Goneril begins with lies of love—
Lear’s words later reflect her betrayal. Her pride and greed grow after gaining power. She plots against her father and husband. Her jealousy of Regan over Edmund’s love destroys her peace. When Albany condemns her,“How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is
To have a thankless child.”
she feels hopeless and kills herself.“You are not worth the dust which the rude wind / Blows in your face,”
Regan’s Cruelty and Ambition:
“I am made of that self mettle as my sister.” Cordelia’s Purity and Death: Cordelia refuses to flatter her father. Lear says Cordelia:
“Nothing will come of nothing. Speak again.” Thus, all three daughters die in pain—Goneril and Regan by sin, Cordelia by sacrifice. Their tragic ends show how pride, cruelty, and even purity meet the same cruel fate in Shakespeare’s world.
But she shows even greater cruelty. She helps pull out Gloucester’s eyes and laughs at his pain. Later, her wish to marry Edmund makes her fight her sister. Goneril poisons her. Her fall comes from her wicked heart and blind ambition.
Her truth costs her love and land. Still, she returns with the French army to save Lear. But she is hanged by Edmund’s order. Her innocent death brings deep sadness.