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KING LEAR – ACT 1 The first act in King Lear is particularly significant in the play as it introduces the central characters, relationships and themes explored. Specifically, in Act 1, we are introduced to King Lear and his family, the Gloucester parallel plot, and themes of nature, appearance versus reality, love and power. The opening scene is very important for establishing Lear’s character and relationship with his daughters. In the very beginning, we find out from Kent and Gloucester’s conversation that Lear has already divided the kingdom, and yet he continues to hold the ‘love contest’ between his three daughters. His actions portray Lear’s materialistic values, great pride and love of flattery. Lear’s foolishness is revealed when he accepts Gonerill and Regan’s exaggerated declarations of love, yet rejects his youngest daughter’s speech: “I love your majesty according to my bond, no more nor less”. By refusing to participate in the game, and instead speaking from the heart, Cordelia deeply hurts her father, and is banished. The king’s judgement is clouded by his pride, and by banishing Cordelia; he shows his rash and impetuous nature. He also banishes Kent, his trustworthy friend, for attempting to help the king see clearly. Lear is blinded to the truth, that Cordelia’s love, unlike her greedy sisters’, is what it should be: modest and genuine. Lear gives equal portions of his kingdom to the two eldest daughters and decides to take turns living with them. Lear’s foolishness is seen here again; he expects to keep the status and luxuries of being king even after he has given away his kingdom. Lear is treated appallingly by his selfish daughter Gonerill and curses her for her treatment of him: “Into her womb convey sterility, / Dry up in her the organs of increase.” Lear, with the help of the wise Fool, comes to the realisation that giving away his power was foolish, and banishing Cordelia was even worse.
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