Beginning of Essay
Shakespeare 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 ....

Middle of Essay
.... 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. Shake ....