King Lear Rhetorical Analysis

King Lear illustrates narcissistic dynamics that permeate and tear at the relational fabric of his family and noblemen. His own egotistical excesses lead to narcissistic shortcomings in other characters as well, mainly his daughters Goneril and Regan. His egoism unintentionally plots to terrorize the bonds between family, as self-regard becomes a kind of transactional exchange in an inter-personal economy, just as money or property would be. The tragedy of King Lear is that of a narcissistic king who rejects those who love him because they refuse to mirror him and boast on their love. He bears the pain of his two eldest daughters stripping him of his power but at last finds a kind of mothering figure in his youngest, Cordelia, who returns …show more content…
That said, looking beyond his callous tone, Lear speaks of his desire to be cared for, and his dependence on the notion of being taken care of by his daughters, especially Cordelia. Lear expresses, “Come not between the dragon and his wrath. I loved her most and thought to set my rest on her kind nursery. [To Cordelia.] Hence and avoid my sight!” (1.1.135). Lear asserts his position as an aggressor, prideful and extremely agitated, comparing himself to a wrathful dragon. Contentiously, Lear scolds Kent, a nobleman who has served Lear faithfully for many years because he challenges Lear’s approach to dividing the kingdom. Lear, almost childishly refuses to accept any insight or opinion from Kent, and inevitably banishes him. Choosing to dwell on the child-like behavior of Lear, we can further identify his necessity to be cared for. Lear speaks to the notion of relying on Cordelia’s nursery, or her caretaking. He is stating here, that he had every intention of committing himself entirely to Cordelia’s loving care, much like that of a child. Despite Lear being Cordelia’s father, in his growing age, he is determined to be cared for, and this determination and assumption that she would fulfil this duty is characteristic of both his own vulnerability, in that he cannot care for himself entirely, but also of his narcissism, in the assumption that Cordelia’s purpose is to solely operate for her father. Perhaps it is Lear’s feeling as though he is losing himself in addition to his daughter that is the catalyst for his mental deterioration and the reason for his brash actions in disowning Cordelia and banishing Kent, as a way to assert autonomy in a time when, he, a narcissist, feels as though his world of self preservation and exaltation is falling

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