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King Lear – The Element of Disguise
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The play “King Lear” is, first of all, a play about kingship. Lear is a trusting king, every inch a king, who in his old age brings destruction to himself, certain persons in his own circle, and to his country. “King Lear” is a play which tears off the outer coverings of human character. Pious and innocent-seeming people who are villainous, are revealed in their true nature, and the similar is disclosed for what it is, as it works destruction. This is done in a world in which most men are constantly seeking their own advancement, a court where flatterers are always lurking, and in which a king should be constantly wary and careful to follow the advice of such honest men as Kent.
Within the first two acts of “King Lear”, the element of disguise is established. The king’s two daughters, Regan and Goneril, use flattery as a disguise. They conceal their true feelings, conspiring to take over the land. Goneril says:
Sir, I love you more than word can weild the matter;
Dearer then eyesight, space, and liberty; . . . Beyond all
manner of so much I love you. (II 56-63)
Regan speaks:
I am made of the same metal as my sister,
And prize me at her worth. In my true heart
I find she names my very deed of love,
Only she comes too short, that I profess
Myself and enemy to all other joys
Which the most precious square of sense possesses,
And find I am alone felicitate
In your dear Highness’ love. (II72-80)
Clearly, the daughters’ words are loaded with flattery. The third daughter, Cordelia, cannot wear the mask that the other two wear, “I love your Majesty According to my bond, no more nor less.” (II 97-98) It is for this reason that Cordeila is banished from the kingdom.
An obvious example of disguise is with the Earl of Kent, as he enters the play as Tom of Bedlam. Even though he was exiled from the kingdom, he has returned to protect Lear. His great loyalty to the king, forces Kent to risk his life in order to deceive Lear.
Lear : What art thou?
Kent : A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the king.
(I, IV, 18-20)
