and later Kent. The scene also highlights Lear's willingness to believe his older daughters' empty flattery. He seems to have an elevated sense of his own self-worth and a ritualistic desire to stifle all opinions that are contrary to his own.
             Another defining attribute of Lear's early character is his irrational manner of handling problems. Though Lear is confronted simultaneously with the afflictions of homelessness, denigration, disrespect, and disobedience, he is ill-prepared to face those who are responsible. Instead, he responds with outbursts of anger and cursing, even a physical attack when provoked (1.4.82). He has clearly become accustomed to strict public and personal obedience to his word and is shocked when people do not comply as they have in the past. When confronted with insults, Lear often reacts in denial. This is especially apparent when Lear's first reaction to Goneril's behavior is to ask, "Are you our daughter?...Your name, fair gentlewoman?" (1.4.209,227). Another response to his dilemma is expressed in self-pity. As Lear finally recognizes the precariousness of his new position, he strikes his own head and curses his misfortune (1.4.263-264). Lear continues to wallow in self-pity as he labels hims
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