In Shakespeare's play, King Lear, there are many recurring themes. Betrayal and reconciliation are often expressed through the actions of the characters. In the play, King Lear states that he is, "a man more sinned against than sinning" (Act V). Using the themes of betrayal and reconciliation and evidence from the text, it is shown that Lear's evaluation of his character is incorrect in the sense that the start of all conflict could have been avoided had Lear handled certain situations differently.
             The play begins with Lear declaring his recession from the throne and the division of his land. He asks his daughters, Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia to describe their love towards him so that he can decide how to properly divide the land. Goneril and Regan, two greedy and immoral characters, profess feelings of absolute love for their father. These claims are nothing more than blatant lies in the two girls' quest to obtain power and land, even though it would not have been learned. Although the claims of Lear's two greedy daughters are obvious lies, he trusts them and believes that they are sincere. If Lear had questioned the intentions of his daughters from the beginning, then the entire tragedy of King Lear could have ended much differently. Cordelia, Lear's most devoted daughter, says that she cannot express her love for her father because she loves him to such a great extent that words would not be able to describe this feeling. She does not to partake in the 'test' because she does not believe that she should flatter her father, for she knows that in her heart she has the utmost respect and admiration for him. Cordelia says that she loves him in the way that a daughter should love a father. This statement angers Lear; therefore, he banishes Cordelia from his kingdom, and divides the land and power between Goneril and Regan.
             King Lear quickly discovers the motive behind Goneril and Regan&...