King Lear - Goneril

If King Lear had not divided Britain and abdicated Goneril would have become queen on his death because she was first in line of succession. After Lear's retirement she initially appeared to be the only one with the strength of purpose to rule Britain. This is not to say she would have been a good ruler but on the contrary would have been a tyrant. She was ruthless and cunning and killed or intended to kill anyone who stood in her way. Goneril appears to be a dominant ruler but she acts on impulse. She is a poor judge of character although in the case of Edmund it can be understood as stemming from infatuation. She is impatiently dismissive of Albany and thinks him weak and indolent. Once he discovers what has been going on she discovers that she has misjudged him.

(a) Goneril saw herself as an absolute monarch.

GONERIL
Say, if I do, the laws are mine, not thine:
Who can arraign me for't.

(b) Goneril did not want Lear's followers in her palace — baseless worry about conflict.
(c) Suggested the blinding of Gloster.
(d) Urges that Britain's defences be brought to a war footing.

GONERIL
............. Back, Edmund, to my brother;
Hasten his musters and conduct his powers:
I must change arms at home, and give the distaff
Into my husband's hands.

(e) Accuses Albany of being cowardly and impassive in not preparing forces against the French.

GONERIL
............. Where's thy drum?
France spreads his banners in our noiseless land;
With plumed helm thy slayer begins threats;
Whiles thou, a moral fool, sit'st still, and criest
'Alack, why does he so?'

Goneril may appear to have decisive military abilities because of her urgings for action but actually shows her impatience and over-reaction. Albany, who has a military background, is firmly in control and ignores her urgings for haste. He is quite circumspect in bringing the army to readiness. He wisely consults th' ancient of war to bring his wing of the army to readiness and then assumes command of the British combined forces. By this stage, Albany has learned of Goneril's behavior toward Lear and he confronts and threatens her. Albany proves to be no coward and although Goneril makes sarcastic remarks it is evident that she has misjudged his strength of character and the real power shifts from her to him. All Goneril can do is plan his murder.

(f) Oswald told Regan that Goneril was a better soldier than Albany, but he is no authority on military expertise.
(g) Wrote to Edmund urging him to kill Albany.
(h) Poisoned Regan.
(i) Gave orders for Cordelia to be killed.

Who would not agree with this assessment of Goneril?

ALBANY
...... thou art a fiend,
A woman's shape doth shield thee.

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