Essay on Parent/Child Relationships in Corialanus and...

As if man were author of himself/ and knew no other kin How sharper than a serpents tooth it is To have a thankless child (Act 1 Scene 4 lines 285-6) These lines spoken by the eponymous hero of Shakespeares King Lear, sum up the main theme of the play. Lear is a king nearing the end of his reign, who decides to split his kingdom between his three daughters. In this play Shakespeare presents us with a patriarchal family. It would appear that Lear raised his daughter alone, just as Volumnia raises her son, Coriolanus alone. In the play Coriolanus we are presented with the reversal of Lears family, by seeing one of the matriarchal dominance. Through comparing these two plays one can see how Shakespeare tackles the problems†¦show more content†¦I am sure my loves more ponderous than my tongue. Act 1 Scene 1 lines 78-9 It is obvious that Cordelias love for her father outstrips that of her sisters but she cant express it in the way Lear wants her too: Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave My heart into my mouth. I love your majesty According to my bond, no more no less. Act 1 Scene 1 lines 91-3 Lear mistakes her simple yet honest proclamations for a lack of feelings. In his anger he disowns and banishes her. Before the first scene has concluded we are made aware of Lears failings as a father. He believes the vacuous platitudes of Goneril and Regan and yet cant understand that what his youngest says means more than them. He knows its true but becomes angry at her refusal to praise him with flattery: So let it be! Thy truth then be thy dower! Act 1 Scene 1 line 108 It can be argued that Cordelias withdrawal from the flattery game is her way of alerting Lear to his poor judgement. Her reluctance in following her sisters in the `glib-speaking contest can be seen as a sign of her honesty. As the play continues we learn to mistrust those for whom words flow easily. In surrendering his kingdom to his two less than worthy daughters, Lear makes a monumental mistake, and one which ultimately leads to his death. Lear doesnt appear to know how to