The Absent Wife and Mother as the Source for the Downfall of a Family and Kingdom in Shakespeare’s King Lear
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published 28/05/2008
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SummaryIn King Lear, Shakespeare incorporates a theme that is prevalent in many of his other works, that of family structure, specifically, absent wives and mothers. The nonexistence of King Lear’s wife and his daughters’ mother also implies the absence of a Queen and a female political figure to balance the king’s authority. While it may seem that male rule is self-sufficient, it can be argued that King Lear’s reason is overshadowed by his power, causing him to hastily hand down his kingdom to Goneril and Regan. Had there been another position at the throne with whom to discuss this matter, perhaps King Lear would have used more sound judgment in determining the transference of power. Without a female figure of authority at the throne, he views his daughters as surrogate wives, relying on them to the point that he gives up protection, the one thing that he needs the most to remain sane and maintain the kingdom’s order.
Keywords: Coppelia Kahn
Keywords: Coppelia Kahn
Table of Contents
- In deciding to give up his power to the eldest daughters, King Lear reveals a tension between his body natural and body politic.
- Lear asks his three daughters to make declarations of love in order to attain their rightful portions of the kingdom.
- King Lear rejects Cordelia and instead trusts in Goneril and Regan's proclamations of love.
- King Lear is without a nurturing wife.
- The word 'mother' is also used negatively.
- He is unable to balance masculine and feminine traits.
- Lear's moment of madness on the heath.
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