motifs involved in the play king lear by shakespeare

Motifs in the play "King Lear" by ShakespeareShakespeare uses many
motifs to expand on the themes of the story. His most-used motif revolves
around filial responsibility. Each of the two plots contains characters who
betray their fathers. Goneril and Regan flatter their father, King Lear, and
then betray him. The drastic change that occurred in their attidtude
towards their father is clearly evident through Goneril's speech
before:"Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter;Dearer than
eye-sight, space, and liberty;Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare;No
less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour;As much as child e'er
loved, or father found;A love that makes breath poor, and speech
unable;Beyond all manner of so much I love you." (Act I, Sc i,
Ln 57-63)and after she had been allotted one half of the kingdom:"'Tis his
own blame; hath put himself from rest,And must needs taste his folly."
(Act II, Sc ii, Ln 289-290)They both were interested only
in getting Lear's land, and used any means necessary to get it. Edmund,
in the other plot of the play, deceives his father in order to gain his favor.
Edmund, the Earl of Gloucester's bastard son, tells his father that Edgar,
Gloucester's legitimate son, is plotting to ruin Gloucester. This causes the
Earl to banish Edgar and give his title and land to Edmund.The ironic
misuse of power used by the Earl of Gloucester shows up in both plots.
Gloucester punishes Edgar and later finds that Edmund was the one
taking advantage of him. Similarly, Regan and Goneril gain Lear's favor,
while Cordelia is left 'dowerless' and banished from the kingdom. In the
end, though, Cordelia saves Lear from the betrayal of Goneril and
Regan.Shakespeare develops these major motifs with supporting motifs.
He describes how revenge can affect families and create problems for the
characters. He also uses the senility associated with old age to justify the
irrational actions of both Gloucester and Lear. Gloucester, deceived by
Edmund, becomes paranoid of Edgar. Lear is portrayed as senile form
the beginning when he splits his kingdom between his daughters. He
becomes so engrossed by Goneril's and Regan's flattery that when

Cordelia refused to cater to his wishes, he banishes her in a fit of
rage.Using the various motifs, Shakespeare makes many thematic
statements about filial responsibility. Without scrutiny, many children will
become overtaken by greed and attempt to get their parents' wealth by
any means. Some children will remain good at heart, but it is difficult to
predict which children will honor their parents. This is shown in both plots
of the story, with King Lear and Gloucester trusting, and being deceived
by, the "bad seeds." Lear learns of his troubles after both Goneril and
Regan throw him out, but Gloucester understands the betrayal of
Edmund much later.The other major theme in King Lear deals with
appearances. Shakespeare states, as he does in many of his plays, that
appearances can be deceiving. Many people put up false fronts in order
to get what they want, including Regan's and Goneril's flattery. Once
again, one must be careful not to fall victim to others' false actions.
Shakespeare emphasizes the need to think about actions that may have
serious consequences, and not to rush into anything. Irrational behavior
and gullibility cause many of the problems and conflicts in King Lear.