How Does Shakespeare Use Deception In King Lear
Explore Shakespeare’s interest in deception based on your knowledge and understanding in the first two acts
Shakespeare’s “King Lear” in a play filled with betrayal and various acts of deception. This becomes evident in the first few lines. The superficiality of Goneril and Regan empty words combined with their lack of love for their father foreshadows the events to come.
We first see dishonesty in Act1 Scene1 with Lears “love test”. Goneril and Regans elegant yet false speeches oppose what they really feel. Goneril speaks first and says “I love you more than words can wield the matter”, the reason why there are no words to express this love, is because she feels none for him, it does not exist. Regan emphasizes the value of her love; she …show more content…
As an illegitimate son he is entitled to nothing, but this doesn’t stop his political ambition. This is expressed in Act 1, “Why bastard? Wherefore base? When my dimensions are as well compact”. Edmund argues he possesses all the person qualities of his brother and is determined to “prosper” no matter what. He lies to his farther in devious and cunning ways. By producing fake documents and fooling him into believing that Edgar seeks his life. By acting as if he does not want his farther to see the letter “Nothing my lord”, reverse psychology is used, showing Edmunds true colours. He then pushes the story further “if you violently proceed against him, mistaking his purpose, at would make a great gap in your honour”. This false act concerning honour makes Edmund out to appear good and true. Yet again just like Lear, Gloucester has fallen for false appearances and words. The subplots both now mirror as the evil children gain ground from lies, betrayal and …show more content…
Poor tom” that’s something yet: Edgar I am nothing”, could not seem starker. Both Kent and Edgar do feel free now, and there is emphasis in how they speak to show they do not care for royalty and positions. The point being how deceptive outward appearances are in King Lear. Virtuous characters assume disguises in order to survive, continuing to do well in their new lowly roles. In contrast outward appearances do appear to represent the loss of power “Off off! You lendings”. To Lear his clothing represents his
Shakespeare’s “King Lear” in a play filled with betrayal and various acts of deception. This becomes evident in the first few lines. The superficiality of Goneril and Regan empty words combined with their lack of love for their father foreshadows the events to come.
We first see dishonesty in Act1 Scene1 with Lears “love test”. Goneril and Regans elegant yet false speeches oppose what they really feel. Goneril speaks first and says “I love you more than words can wield the matter”, the reason why there are no words to express this love, is because she feels none for him, it does not exist. Regan emphasizes the value of her love; she …show more content…
As an illegitimate son he is entitled to nothing, but this doesn’t stop his political ambition. This is expressed in Act 1, “Why bastard? Wherefore base? When my dimensions are as well compact”. Edmund argues he possesses all the person qualities of his brother and is determined to “prosper” no matter what. He lies to his farther in devious and cunning ways. By producing fake documents and fooling him into believing that Edgar seeks his life. By acting as if he does not want his farther to see the letter “Nothing my lord”, reverse psychology is used, showing Edmunds true colours. He then pushes the story further “if you violently proceed against him, mistaking his purpose, at would make a great gap in your honour”. This false act concerning honour makes Edmund out to appear good and true. Yet again just like Lear, Gloucester has fallen for false appearances and words. The subplots both now mirror as the evil children gain ground from lies, betrayal and …show more content…
Poor tom” that’s something yet: Edgar I am nothing”, could not seem starker. Both Kent and Edgar do feel free now, and there is emphasis in how they speak to show they do not care for royalty and positions. The point being how deceptive outward appearances are in King Lear. Virtuous characters assume disguises in order to survive, continuing to do well in their new lowly roles. In contrast outward appearances do appear to represent the loss of power “Off off! You lendings”. To Lear his clothing represents his