Cinderella (#2)

Regan and Goneril’s only motivation lies in assuming Lear’s kingdom when he grows old. Clearly this is their motivation now, but it must have been when they were younger. One does not change from loyal, loving daughter, to cruel and selfish even in a lifetime. They have most likely always been the way they are, and were suppressing it in order to win Lear’s favor. They are clearly very skilled at lying, as they convince Lear, without a doubt, of their love during the first act. Cordelia is at a disadvantage here, because she cannot lie to please her father…and she turns out to be the only loyal member of the family.

I cannot say that I entirely understand where resentment for a parent comes from. It is possible that Regan and Goneril had some sort of terrible upbringing that led them to spite their father, but it is unlikely, as Cordelia did not turn out the same way. Selfish motivation drives people further than one may think. Another factor may be natural resentment, because there is a time in everyone’s life where they want to be their own person (especially the teenage years) and parents restrict that natural impulse. The move for independence is one that comes to everyone differently, and obviously Goneril and Regan’s obsession with power had a little more than something to do with their extreme cruelty towards their father.

This relationship is powerful because, while it may be a natural impulse, it goes against any decent person’s moral code. Sure, we all feel some degree of resentment toward our parents in our lifetimes, but it should not escalate to the level that Regan and Goneril take it to. They are utterly disrespectful despite the fact that Lear has given his entire kingdom to them.