King Lear

The Deception in King Lear

William Shakespeare's play King Lear is a play full of deceit and betrayal.
This becomes evident in the first few lines. We first
learn of the empty words of Goneril and Regan as well as their hatred for their
father, King Lear. This becomes the center of the play and also leads to the
madness that the king suffers from.

The first words that Goneril speaks are totally empty and are the complete
opposite of what she really feels. She says, "Sir, I love you more than word
can wield the matter; Dearer than eye-sight, space and liberty;" (I.i.54-55)
The reason why there are no words to express her love for her father is that she
has no love for him and it does not exist. The same goes for her sister, Regan,
who is plotting against her father as well. She says that she feels the same
way as her sister and expresses how Goneril has named her very deed of love.
Regan adds a little twist to this and professes that she loves Lear mor...