Goneril and Regan
Perhaps two of the most devious and cruel of William Shakespeare’s characters are those of Goneril and Regan. After dividing up his kingdom, King Lear provides each of the two with half of his estate after they proclaimed their love to their father. He did not however give anything to his youngest Cordelia, as he stated that she loved him as a daughter should and no more and no less. Through his foolishness King Lear became dependent on his two daughters but each of them began to disrespect him and ultimately not care for him. Their selfish nature is something that is communicated to the audience in both the public and private arena. By comparing and contrasting the actions of these two selfish women to those characters around them and the secrets that they communicate discretely to the audience, one is able to gain further insight into the motives and characteristics of the two.
Goneril
From the first lines that Goneril, Lear’s eldest daughter, speaks it is evident that in public she uses deceitful words and lies so as to please her listeners. Knowing all too well that she would receive more of her father’s wealth if she persuaded him she loved him, she moulds her words into what pleases her father:
Sir I love you more than word can wield the matter,
Dearer than eyesight space and liberty,
Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare,
No less than life, with grace, health beauty, honor;
As much as child e’er loved, or father found;
A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable.
Beyond all the manner of so much I love you. (I.i.60-67)
What she says to him publicly, is different than what she believes as is demonstrated later on in the scene during her conversation with Regan,
“The best and soundest of his time hath been but rash” (I.i.-340-41)
Her cruel and aggressive nature is further emphasized when she orders Oswald, her servant, to treat Lear with disrespect, “Put on what weary negligence you please...must be used” (I.iii.13-20).
Finally, Goneril’s violent nature is showcased when she tells her husband, the Duke of Albany privately, that she wants to rid her father of his knights to secure her position of power and influence. “A hundred knights...let me still take away the harms I fear.” (I.iv.340-350). This private exchange between her and Albany exemplifies Goneril’s true nature and to what extent she would go to acquire even more wealth and status.
Regan
Regan like her older sister, is just as cruel, greedy, and cunning. She uses her words in the opening scene, ironically to fool her father that she has feelings for him. She states that, “I am made of that self mettle as my sister...and I find I am alone felicitate in your dear Highness’ love.” (I.i.76-84). By opening her address to Lear by saying she is like her sister, there is a clear case of verbal irony. Her figurative speech implies that she is like her sister in that she will mistreat her father and perhaps it is even foreshadowed that they will both possess lust for the same man that is Edmund later on in the story.
As for her relationship with men, as soon as her husband the Duke of Cornwall is killed, she privately asks Oswald to discourage Goneril from pursuing Edmund. Although she previously mourned her husband’s life publicly, in reality she feels no sadness and is ready to move on, “My lord is dead; Edmund and I have talked, and more convenient is he for my hand, then for your lady’s.” (IV.vi.34-36). Although prior to the end of the play both sisters have gained what they wanted in terms of money and status, their desire for the same man communicates the the theme that evil turns on evil. Since both clearly feel no remorse and are diabolical, they ultimately turn on each-other and lead to the other’s demise.
Goneril
From the first lines that Goneril, Lear’s eldest daughter, speaks it is evident that in public she uses deceitful words and lies so as to please her listeners. Knowing all too well that she would receive more of her father’s wealth if she persuaded him she loved him, she moulds her words into what pleases her father:
Sir I love you more than word can wield the matter,
Dearer than eyesight space and liberty,
Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare,
No less than life, with grace, health beauty, honor;
As much as child e’er loved, or father found;
A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable.
Beyond all the manner of so much I love you. (I.i.60-67)
What she says to him publicly, is different than what she believes as is demonstrated later on in the scene during her conversation with Regan,
“The best and soundest of his time hath been but rash” (I.i.-340-41)
Her cruel and aggressive nature is further emphasized when she orders Oswald, her servant, to treat Lear with disrespect, “Put on what weary negligence you please...must be used” (I.iii.13-20).
Finally, Goneril’s violent nature is showcased when she tells her husband, the Duke of Albany privately, that she wants to rid her father of his knights to secure her position of power and influence. “A hundred knights...let me still take away the harms I fear.” (I.iv.340-350). This private exchange between her and Albany exemplifies Goneril’s true nature and to what extent she would go to acquire even more wealth and status.
Regan
Regan like her older sister, is just as cruel, greedy, and cunning. She uses her words in the opening scene, ironically to fool her father that she has feelings for him. She states that, “I am made of that self mettle as my sister...and I find I am alone felicitate in your dear Highness’ love.” (I.i.76-84). By opening her address to Lear by saying she is like her sister, there is a clear case of verbal irony. Her figurative speech implies that she is like her sister in that she will mistreat her father and perhaps it is even foreshadowed that they will both possess lust for the same man that is Edmund later on in the story.
As for her relationship with men, as soon as her husband the Duke of Cornwall is killed, she privately asks Oswald to discourage Goneril from pursuing Edmund. Although she previously mourned her husband’s life publicly, in reality she feels no sadness and is ready to move on, “My lord is dead; Edmund and I have talked, and more convenient is he for my hand, then for your lady’s.” (IV.vi.34-36). Although prior to the end of the play both sisters have gained what they wanted in terms of money and status, their desire for the same man communicates the the theme that evil turns on evil. Since both clearly feel no remorse and are diabolical, they ultimately turn on each-other and lead to the other’s demise.