Personal greed is an uncompromising yearning for both physical items and possession of other mentally. This excessive behavior leads to the downfall of individuals. Conversely, greed can be stronger in higher social groups. Shakespeare uses the character of Lear, Regan, and Goneril to illustrate the avarice found in individuals of power. Mentally, Lear craves unconditionally love from his offspring. He is emotionally greedy for complete devotion. He needs this to feel that he has impacted his family in an absolute manner. To receive his personal requirement, he tempts each daughter through their own covetous nature. Lear desires devotion,
Lear: and here are to be the answered, Tell me, my daughters – since now we will divest us, both of rule,…show more content… This is done not for a true explanation of their love, but due to his own greedy nature. Goneril and Regan allow their naturally instincts to come forth. They accept his challenge and lie to fulfill their own requirement for physical items, the devotion of lower social classes, and power. The greed of the sister motivates their actions throughout the play. Initially, they take hold of Lear’s kingdom. In doing so, the take the physical wealth of Lear and make it their own. They continue fulfilling their desires and drive their father in to destitution. Eventually, the greed Regan and Goneril drive them apart. Their greed does not come in the form of physical items, but in the passion for the love of one man – Edmund. The sisters begin to fight for his love and…show more content… Their own avarious destroys them.
Edmund: Yet, Edmund was beloved
The one the other poisoned for my sake,
And after she slew herself (5.3 239-241).
Similarly, to King Lear and his daughters, King James of Britain illustrated the need for physical items. His lifestyle was based on opulence and lavishness; even though, his country struggled with finances. King James, due to his belief in divine right, would have allowed an artificial regard by others to satisfy his mental need for devotion. Additionally, King James and Queen Anne had three children. Two of which would eventually battle over the king’s inheritance. The greed of the King James and a multitude of the upper class corresponds to Lear and two of his
