King Lear #2

Goneril and Reagan are both driven by power and greed. In their minds, they do not think their thoughts or actions to obtain supremacy are wrong. They think that they have the right to all the land and power since they are the daughters of King Lear. They view their father as getting old and foolish, so they think it is proper to take over. Once King Lear hands over the land and power to them after they pledged their “love” to them, they do not treat him well. Goneril even tells Lear to get rid of his troops, which was the only thing he had left to show he used to be king. She also heartlessly tells Reagan to not take him in when he comes to stay with her. The two daughters no longer have to flatter and make him believe they care about him. Having usurped his land and power they have no need for their father. They have no mercy as they turn him out of their kingdoms and strip him of what little pride he has left.

Today, people still do the same evil things as Goneril and Reagan, but generally on a smaller scale. Kids will sweet talk their parents to get what they want, whether it is money, a ride, or a favor. Likewise, employees may be nice and polite to their bosses to get a raise or promotion, but behind their backs they might be critical. People often act in deceitful ways out of self-interest and greed. They want to better themselves and improve their conditions so they use or flatter people. On a larger scale, countries may deceive other countries into trusting them, allying with them, or trading with them, but really their intentions are self-serving. The countries are just using other countries to get what they want whether it includes advanced technology, assistance in fighting wars, or exchanging goods to create dependency. In conclusion, Goneril and Reagan show how people in society can be deceitful and untrustworthy mean in order to better themselves.