King Lear dies poor, rejected, and alone; the victim of the betrayal and shrewdness of his daughters Goneril and Regan. They flatter him with words of love and respect with the sole intent of gaining his kingdom. When they get what they desire, they look for excuses to get their father out the way so they can assume control of the country. They plot against him, insinuating he is too old to be a ruler, and at the first opportunity they get him out the way. They seem to be the prototype of filial ingratitude to a loving father that loves them so much to the point of giving them his kingdom. He ends up living and dying like a beggar, lonely and homeless. Nevertheless, despite all the pity that may arise from the tragic fate of King Lear, he deservedly reaps what he sows. His fatal end is nothing more than the result of his egotistical character, his refusal to see beyond appearances, and his late recognition of his mistakes.
             The egotistical character of King Lear and his love for personal praise is one of the reasons that eventually leads him to fatal end. He wants to love and respect, according to his concept. He is the king and thinks that he should be loved and respected so much. When he decides to divide the kingdom, he did in his terms. He is willing to give up his dominion, but only if he is praised and flattered. Goneril says she loves him more than "the word can wield the matter...a love that makes breath poor and speech unable." This entitles her to have part of the kingdom; that is precisely what he wants to hear. Regan is not different. She comes and expresses her love and admiration, stating that she is "an enemy to all other joys" and "is alone felicitate in [his] dear highness' love." On the other hand, Cordelia merely says that she loves him "according to [her] bond; no more, no less." She does not flatter the king and, for this reason, is banished from the kingdom.
             His refusal to see beyond appearan...