Abuse Of Power In King Lear

There is a reason that in 2018, two-hundred and two years later since Shakespeare's death, that we continue to read his playwrights. One thing that separates Shakespeare from other writers is his way to create a story full of different themes that remains to be timeless and relevant in today’s society. King Lear is one of Shakespeare's plays that illustrates how good his use of themes is. One of the major themes is the power that corrupts the characters, which plays an extensive role throughout King Lear.

Lear offers his daughters the land of his kingdom but in turn they must profess their love to him. This allowed them to take advantage of him them when he passes down his right as king unto them. Once they get this power they become corrupted and become so cold that they will do anything to keep the power.They take advantage of him and tell him how much they love him even though they do not. Goneril said, “ I love him more than words can wield the matter’ (1, 1, 60) and Regan said, “Goneril comes too short, she professes herself an enemy of all other joys.” (1, 1, 79-80) They do not really love their father like they say they do, but love the power that he can give them. …show more content…
Edmund forged a letter that seemed to be written by his brother Edgar, that showed a plot to kill Gloucester. Edmund abused the trust that his father had in him to undermine his brother and make himself seem like the golden brother. Gloucester believed Edmund lies and even said, “this villain of mine comes under the prediction of mine: there’s son against father” (1, 2, 112-117) Gloucester saying this showed how he believed that Edgar was the villian and wanted to kill him. The fact that Edmund would frame his own brother for the chance to gain power shows his corruption, and that he will do anything to have more