Conflict is a major theme in Shakespeare's play King Lear. The conflict between parents and children is what makes up most of this theme. Lear is often having arguments with his three daughters, Regan, Goneril and Cordelia. The theme of "loyalty" is also one that stands out and has a large affect on the play.
The tragedy begins with one of the most prominent arguments of the play. In the opening scene Lear decides that he will split his kingdom into thirds for each of his daughters. He then has to decide whether that decision is the right thing to do. So he asks each of his daughters to tell him how much they love him. Goneril and Regan lie to him whilst trying to outdo one another, in order to win his approval. Each daughter receives a third of the kingdom. Cordelia refuses to lie and she tells him that she loves him as much as a daughter should love a father, no more, no less. I i 90-94: "unhappy that I am, I cannot heave my heart into my mouth. I love your Majesty according to my bond, no more nor less."
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