Shakespeare presents a complex materialistic character from the beginning of this non-fictional novel. We can study different aspects of his character through looking at theses three incidents, the dividing of the kingdom, the reach for the sword and Cordelia's banishment. You can also learn about opinions of him through Goneril and Regan who are more than willing to compete for their father's affection. I will study the language and structure Shakespeare uses to present the character of King Lear in the opening scene.

The ageing King Lear with no wife, no son and only three daughters intends to divide his kingdom in accordance with the daughter that can profess her love the most winning the larger amount of land. Ironically though, King Lear has already divided the land into three parts on a map, which he uses as a prop during the opening moments. The daughters feel he is vain, for he talks to himself as the royal 'we,' shallow and even insecure, as no daughter should have to declare there love in order to gain there fathers attention and respect.

Lear is an irresponsible father as

Therefore it is noticeable that Shakespeare presents the character of King Lear in a materialistic, selfish and false manner, he ridicules those around him and forces those he loves to become money-orientated like himself. Shakespeare uses a variety of colourful similes and comparatives to bring the character alive and create a personality that a Jacobean audience could hate and mock in a light hearted manner.

Lear is exposed with a rash way of thinking and is easily agitated into loosing his temper, Kent whom has been his faithful and loyal friend for many years questions his decision to banish Cordelia. This causes the King to loose his temper and reach for his sword, Kent keeps provoking him by interrupting his speech, without thinking of the consequences he banishes Kent as well, his oldest and closest friend. King Lear can be seen as a stubborn old man as he claims that this decision to banish them 'will not be revoked'

During the final conversation in the scene between Goneril and Regan interpretations of Lear's character are formed through these two sisters, the talk of his 'full of changes' implying his unstable mind and his erratic decisions may effect them if t

Some topics in this essay:
King Lear, Goneril Regan, Duke Burgundy, Lear Act, Burgundy Throughout, king lear, character king lear, shakespeare character king, character king, shakespeare character, Dinsdale Shakespeare, goneril regan, King France, king lear materialistic, lear materialistic, decision banish, declare love, materialistic character, reach sword, king france,