Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Marxism In King Lear (Too tired for a witty title)

When taking a look at the opening scene where King Lear gives his three daughters; Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia the test of love and the after effects of this test, I can't help but feel that this scene has a Marxist connotation to it. Given this light, it might seem like Regan and Goneril could be seen as the bourgeoisie , as they flatter and "show their love" to King Lear in order to obtain what they desire, the ownership of the kingdom. However, their sister Cordelia could be seen as the representation of the proletariat, as she refuses to go along with King Lear's game in order to preserve her own integrity, and loses favor with the King as a result and certainly loses her shot at ruling the kingdom. At the same time, a Marxist could look at this contest as a positive at first, as the King gives his three daughters a fair chance. However, under these circumstances, Lear just wants to prove that Cordelia is worthy of being his favorite daughter (as she is young and sought after by many a suitor), but his requirement of "proof" is the way that Lear creates what a Marxist might see as a class division between his three daughters. Basically, in terms of Marxism King Lear has created a capitalist system and Goneril, Regan and Cordelia are forced to abide to this system in this scene.

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