It is undeniable that Goneril and Regan's death gives audience a rush of satisfaction, as they grow more cruel and beastly as the play progresses. The fact that Shakespeare did not dwell too long on their demise is an insult to them because it symbolizes that their deaths meant nothing to us and it is not necessary to spend too much time on the fact. Goneril and Regan's ending was not at all tragic, but seen more as justice finally was served and no emotions were spared on them at all. Even Albany, Goneril's husband, appeared nonchalant about his wife's death: "Cover their faces." (v, 3, 290). That line was all he said after he was informed of their demise and it seemed cold, which served the two sisters right for their behavior to the other characters. It was just to have Goneril and Regan's lives ended that way.

"The mysteries of Hecate and the night,

Edmund ridicules Gloucester's superstitious belief that when mankind are in trouble, we blame it on the gods and Fate. This is a theme that is carried throughout the play. It subtly suggests that the gods in heaven influence a man's actions and thus, lead them to their ruination. Gloucester is not the only one who believes in the higher powers; Lear does too. When Lear is outraged that Cordelia says nothing to outdo her sisters' words of love, he disinherits her:

Instantly know, and of that letter too.

Another theme in the play that occurs is the idea of mortality. King Lear suggests that the length of time we live as mortals does not make a difference to how much we learn and the vastness of our knowledge and common sense; the older one is does not make one knowledgeable. Lear's two daughters, Goneril and Regan, realized this since the beginning of the play: "'Tis the infirmity of his age. Yet he hath ever/ but slenderly known himself." (i, 1, 339-340). They understand that although Lear is old, at least 80-years-old, he lacks the wisdom a person should possess at his age. Thus, the play does not mention that the main objective to one's life is to live as long as possible. On the other hand, what King Lear does suggest is that a lot of people has success and power as their priority in life. This seems obvious as Goneril, Regan, Cornwall and Edmund's goal was to achieve this: "Legitimate Edgar, I must have your land...I grow, I prosper." (i, 2, 17-22). This quote is found in Edmund's monologue when he announces his intentions to the audience and so, this is a fact.

That which my father loses." (

Some common words found in the essay are:
King Lear, Cornwall Albany, Lear Lear, Goneril Regan, Goneril Regan's, Duke Instantly, Albany Goneril's, Cornwall Regan, Legitimate Edgar, Scene Reserve, king lear, goneril regan's, goneril regan, innocent characters, gods fate, act scene, blame gods fate, lear cordelia, blame gods,
Approximate Word count = 1124
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)