King Lear · Chapter
Scene III explained
Goneril, angered by Lear's behavior and the riotous conduct of his knights, instructs her steward Oswald to treat the king and his followers with cold negligence, planning to confront Lear and coordinate with Regan to diminish his remaining
What happens
Goneril, angered by Lear's behavior and the riotous conduct of his knights, instructs her steward Oswald to treat the king and his followers with cold negligence, planning to confront Lear and coordinate with Regan to diminish his remaining authority.
Themes in this chapter
Filial Ingratitude
Goneril's deliberate neglect and plan to undermine her father exemplify the theme of children betraying their parents.
Power and Authority
Goneril challenges Lear's remaining authority, seeking to control his household and reduce his influence, highlighting the struggle over power.
Appearance vs. Reality
Goneril instructs Oswald to feign weariness and negligence, using false appearances to create conflict and justify her actions.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“By day and night he wrongs me; every hour He flashes into one gross crime or other, That sets us all at odds: I’ll not endure it:”
He constantly offends me with one serious fault after another, causing discord among us; I will no longer tolerate it.
Goneril expresses her growing frustration and determination to resist Lear's behavior.
“Old fools are babes again; and must be used With cheques as flatteries—when they are seen abused.”
Old fools become like children again and need to be controlled with reprimands rather than flattery when they are clearly being misled.
Goneril rationalizes her harsh treatment of Lear by comparing him to a child who requires discipline.