# Scene III explained — King Lear

> Chapter companion for King Lear by William Shakespeare.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Goneril

Expresses resentment toward Lear's actions and plots to undermine his authority by instructing Oswald to neglect him.

### Oswald

Receives Goneril's orders to treat Lear and his knights with coldness and negligence.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/king_lear_se/chapters/act-i-scene-iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/king_lear_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/king_lear_se/chapters