Shakespeare's King Lear and Romeo and Juliet.

Decisions by the father in Shakespeare's writing are for the most part

quick, and life altering for the daughters. Father's also have great expectations,and often try to discipline their daughters for their actions - not thinking about the repercussions or regrets of their actions. Shakespeare's father's are verycontrolling and expect only the best form their offspring. Drastic measures are often taken to enforce their point, and the betrayal of a father during Shakespeare's time is an unthinkable act. Throughout this paper I will be discussing and arguing this point. I will be discussing two of Shakespeare's plays(King Lear and Romeo and Juliet) for the appearance of regrettable decisions, or "mistakes" made by father's towards their daughters.

In King Lear, Lear advises his daughters to profess their love to him, in

order for him to divide up his kingdom amongst them. Cordelia is the only one of

the three that doesn't give a response. Although she is his favourite, this angers Lear;Here I disclaim all my paternal care,propinquity and property of blood,As a stranger to my heart and me Hold thee from this for ever

The Riverside Shakespeare, Houghton Mifflin Company. 1974

indeed made harsh decisions that did affect the course of their daughter's lives.Lear was able to speak his regret, where Capulet was able to create harmony with the Montagues through the death of his daughter. I have pondered as to why Shakespeare has used this technique in his plays. The decision I have reached is for the mere fact that his tragedies wouldn't be so if there weren't mistakes and regrets made by his characters. He also shows that Kings are human, and can make mistakes just like the rest of their subjects. The fact that there is regrettable decisions, however, adds to the element of tragedy. Techniques such as this help include Shakespeare's plays among the world's greatest literary masterpieces.

This is my daughter's jointure, for no more Can I demand.(V.iii.295-298)

As shown in the above essay, fathers in the two concerning plays have

O most small fault, How ugly dids't thou in Cordelia show!Which, like an engine, wrench'd my frame of nature From the fix'd place; drew from my heart all love,And added to the gall.(II. i. 266 -270)Lear even admits that he has been careless and harsh in his judgement of the Division of his kingdom when he has no shelter "O, I have taken/ too little care of this!" (III.iv. 32-32)

Some common words found in the essay are:
IVv31-32 Capulet, Kingdom Lear, Luckily France, Capulet Juliet, Lear Lear, Capulet Montague, Juliet Decisions, Romeo Juliet, IIIv12-14After Juliet, Quarterly Capulet, romeo juliet, king lear, shakespeare quarterly, regrettable decisions, shakespeare quarterly volume, child child, mistake capulet, eldest daughters, capulet montague, quarterly volume, father shakespeare's, lear romeo juliet,
Approximate Word count = 1636
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)