Authority is often given to those who can be trusted to use it properly, however when authority isn't used the way it was expected, devastating consequences may arise. In the case in William Shakespeare's King Lear some of the characters do just that; poorly use their authority. King Lear, Cornwall, and Goneril all foolishly use their authority by inappropriately sharing it, throwing it around, and using it unnecessarily. Each of the characters do this as a way to get what they want, not thinking about the effect it might have on others and sure enough end up in undesirable situations. In William Shakespeare's King Lear, when people foolishly use their authority in order to gain something for themselves, unwanted results end in their downfall.
             When King Lear foolishly uses his authority by giving it to his daughters as a way to maintain his title as King but not have the burden of being in charge, the unwanted result of being overthrown eventually leads to his death. King Lear foolishly uses his authority to split his power between his daughters in order to lighten his own burden. This is a foolish action because he is only doing it so he doesn't have the responsibility of being in charge, but still the reputation as King. Since King Lear was too lazy to carry out the duties as King he tried to pawn them off but still remain in power, however his plan backfires when his daughters gain the authority and get ideas for power of their own.
             "... if our father carry authority with such dispositions as he bears, this last surrender of this will but offend us... We must do something, and I'th'heat."
             This conversation is between Goneril and Regan who are talking about their fathers diminishing state and how they are planning to overthrow him. This is important because it confirms that Lear's decision to give his authority to his ungrateful daughters was foolish from the start. ...