Power is perceived differently from individual to individual. Often times, power clouds an individual's mind with false illusions. King Lear, one of Shakespeare's many plays demonstrates the perception of power along with the many struggles and dilemmas that accompany power. The play displays the struggles one has to encounter to obtain power and the internal rifts that are created through power struggles. More so it shows the illusion that several individuals are clouded with when they have power. The pursuit for power is often accompanied by several unforeseen challenges and dilemmas.
Throughout the duration of “King Lear” several power struggles occur. The initial power struggle occurs in Act 1, Scene 1. In this scene King Lear has called upon his daughters so he may split up his land. He asks each daughter for the measure of their love towards him and immediately Goneril and Regan verbalize their love towards him. “Sir, I am made of that self mettle 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”. This quote demonstrates how there is initial struggle before the land is even distributed. The quote is taken from Regan's speech about her love. While she does demonstrate her love, she also attempts to belittle her sister's speech and love towards the king. An example similar to this situation is occurring currently all across Canada. The 2011 election and more generally any given election displays a struggle between several individuals to obtain power. In the 2011 election the NDP made several television commercials to stage their platform and view for the election while belittling current Prime Minister Stephen Harper's contributions to country. One specific example was centered around the NDP criticizing Stephen Harper on his promise to create more jobs for the Canadian economy. In fact it showed that Stephen Harper had been creating jobs for the American economy by eliminating jobs in the Canadian economy.
Not only does “King Lear” display the conflict among individuals when obtaining power, it also shows the internal struggles one faces when obtaining power. In Act 1, Scene 1 there is an obvious sense of tension among the sisters. This tension however only applies to Goneril and Regan whose only concern is to obtain the highest degree of power and land they can. Cordelia on the other hand seems unaffected by all the quarrel that is occurring. When asked about the worth of her love towards her father Cordelia simply replied with her honest opinion. “My heart into my mouth. I love your majesty. According to my bond, no more nor less.”. Cordelia's reward for her honesty was to become disinherited. While there is no proof in the text that Cordelia craves power, she never once states that she is not interested in obtaining land and power. It can be argued the Cordelia wanted her honest worth of land and power. Cordelia's actions can be compared to that of a business man. A business man trying to get to the top yet has to struggle. Simply put, a honest business man making the most of his life. Cordelia's sisters however would be seen as the type of people who took shortcuts to get to the top. Basically attempting to cheat and beat the system. “King Lear” does an excellent job of portraying not only individual struggles but collaborative struggles among one another when attempting to obtain power.