Shakespeare's King Lear: The True Nature of Cordelia

Abstract

This essay explores the nature of Cordelia, the youngest daughter of King Lear in the tragedy with the same name, written by William Shakespeare. Cordelia has often been portrayed as flawless, a “Virgin Mary”, a view that I would like to challenge. When confronted with Cordelia we meet a person harbouring many character features which do not always seem to be consistent with each other. The contradictions in her nature have fascinated theatre-goers for centuries, and I am one in a series of puzzled spectators. As I want to understand Cordelia a little better, I have pondered on her conduct as it has been depicted in the drama.

Cordelia's relationship with her father, her two sisters and with Edgar, Gloucester's legitimate son, has been examined. The tragedy's other characters have only been portrayed to the extent that they interact with Cordelia. The women in King Lear have been examined from a gender perspective but also with regard to the prevailing social conditions during the Elizabethan era.

Although King Lear is one of Shakespeare’s most violent plays, it is continuously performed on many stages in several countries. The characters in this cruel drama, more or less mysterious, have always fascinated the audience. Cordelia's personality is probably one of the most intriguing in the play, which is why I have devoted it an in-depth analysis. My essay begins with a brief look at Shakespeare's main inspiration sources and a presentation of my thesis and the methodology applied. If we are to understand Cordelia's behaviour we need some knowledge of her youth, which is why a chapter has been set aside for this purpose. The first sub-chapter under these headings deals with the love test, and given its importance it has been thoroughly addressed. Then I contemplate Cordelia's various relationships and the tragic events that lead to her banishment and death. The conclusion emphasizes her best character trait; her willingness to forgive her father despite the harsh treatment he once subjected her to.