... rather than a social tragedy. According to Eyre's reading of the play, it is Lear's failure as a father - his failure to understand and bestow the love that as a father he was responsible for giving, which ultimately leads to disaster. When Lear banishes Cordelia saying, "Here I disclaim all my paternal care, ... this forever" (Act 1 Scene 1), he is denying his responsibility to as a father offer unconditional love to his daughter. Lear is unable to give selfless love to his family and his unable to understand love as something independent from wealth and power "Thy fifty yet doth doubl...

• Word Count: 1119
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate