Cordelia

Cordelia, Youngest Daughter of King Lear

Cordelia, King Lear's youngest daughter, symbolises honesty, loyalty, and filial piety. Her unwavering love and integrity stand in stark contrast to the deceit and ambition of her sisters, Goneril and Regan.

---

Background and Context

Cordelia is disowned by her father when she refuses to engage in his love test, opting for honesty over flattery. Despite being banished, she remains devoted to Lear and later marries the King of France, who values her virtue over a dowry.

---

Personality Traits

Cordelia is characterised by her integrity, compassion, and steadfastness. Her refusal to exaggerate her love for Lear highlights her moral fortitude. Throughout the play, she embodies the virtues of sincerity and unconditional love.

CORDELIA aside: "I am sure my love's/ More richer than my tongue."

---

Internal Conflict

Cordelia's internal conflict is minimal compared to other characters. Her primary struggle lies in reconciling her love for her father with his harsh rejection. Her return with the French army underscores her commitment to rescuing Lear despite his previous mistreatment.

---

Relationships

Cordelia's relationship with Lear is central to the narrative. Despite her father's initial rejection, she remains loyal and loving, ultimately forgiving him. Her bond with her sisters is strained and adversarial, given their deceitful nature and ambition.

CORDELIA to LEAR: "Good my lord,/ You have begot me, bred me, loved me./ I return those duties back as are right fit:/ Obey you, love you, and most honour you./ Why have my sisters husbands if they say/ They love you all? Haply, when I shall wed, That lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry/ Half my love with him, half my care and duty./ Sure I shall never marry like my sisters,/ To love my father all."

---

Tragic Flaw

Cordelia's tragic flaw, if any, could be seen as her uncompromising honesty, which leads to her banishment and sets the tragic events of the play in motion. Her virtuous nature, while admirable, puts her at odds with the corrupt world around her and leads to her untimely death.

CORDELIA to LEAR: "Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave / My heart into my mouth. I love your majesty / According to my bond; no more nor less."

---