Power is the ability to perform or act effectively, definately with authority. With power, many people tend to misuse and so revealing their "bad side". In King Lear, Goneril and Edmund portray this use of power the most. Edmund eager to seize any opportunity and willing to do anything to achieve his goals. not only a thirst for land and power but also a desire for the recognition denied to him by his status as a bastard. His betrayal is not merely for his own self-interest, it is his rebellion against the social order that has denied him the same status as his legitimate brother, Edgar. Because of his illegimacy, he is also denied the inheritance from his father. "The curiosity of nations to deprive me, For that I am some twelve or fourteen moonshines Lag of a brother? Why bastard? wherefore base?" (I.ii.4-6). Over here, this shows Edmunds rejection in society becuase of his status as being a bastard, leading him to build hatred towards people and wanting revenge from those people who cause him to feel this rejection. In the same monologue, he comes to a conclusion when he says "-Well then, Legitimate Edgar, I must have your land: Our father's love is to the bastard Edmund As to the legitimate: fine word-legitimate! Well, my legitimate, if this letter speed, And my invention thrive, Edmund the base Shall top the legitimate. I grow; I prosper.- Now, gods, stand up for bastards!" (I.ii.15-22). Here, Edmund reveals his intentions about how he will change what people think, and so, later on, he falsifies a letter incriminating his brother Edgar, of an alliance with other men to kill his father, Gloucester and take his power. Same goes for Goneril, her thirst for her father's power is shown in her flowery language when she was asked to desrive her love to her father in words. Goneril expresses her love by saying "Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter; Dearer than eyesight, space, and liberty; Beyond what can be valu'd, rich ...