The Death of Cordelia in William Shkespeares King Lear

A detailed Summary of The Death of Cordelia in William Shkespeares King Lear

The Death of Cordelia in William Shakespeare's King Lear

King Lear is a tragedy unlike any other written by William Shakespeare. It focuses

on the psychological downfall of a powerful King. It proves that as long as a nation has a

king on the throne all is well, but as soon as a king steps off the throne nothing but chaos

transpires. The downfall of the king results in the downfall of the kingdom. More

importantly, it focuses on the relationship between parent and child. This is proven in

two plots with the most important being the relationship between Cordelia and King Lear.

Lear goes through a period of great mental instability in which he gives up his throne,

gives up his daughter Cordelia, and also gives up his sanity. When this happens all hell

breaks loose among the characters, and the evil persona Edmund takes control of the plot.

In most cases love is thought to shine through all evil, however it is not the case in King

Lear. Cordelia must die to illustrate that good does not always conquer evil, and this is

shown no matter how painful it may be for the audience. This is stated in an essay by

Northrop Frye called King Lear who says that this reflects "the principle that the evil men

while he was acting as King. When he is finally defeated all the attention is focused on his

world will end up as it should be. As the play continues the notion of love being a healing

One reason that for Cordelia's death is to punish Lear for thinking that Cordelia did

redemptive force is quickly shattered. One reason that Cordelia's death so painful is this

it. Cordelia is not spared, and love can not stop it. Lear does not begin to regain his

everything in its path until it reaches the bottom. Nothing is spared, and nothing can stop

reuniting of father and daughter where Lear seems to be perfectly sane and at peace.

Approximate Word count = 1280
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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