King Lear

     In King Lear  , there are many different examples of determination, from Lear’s banishment of Cordelia to the fool, who is determined to stay with Lear to the very end. Though both the fool and Lear are very different in what they are determined to do; Lear is determined to punish Cordelia for making a fool of him and telling her father that she doesn’t love him as much as his other daughter’s do and the fool is determined to protect the one person who he cares about deeply, Lear.

” Here I disclaim all my paternal care, Propinquity and property of blood, And as a stranger to my heart and me Hold thee from this for ever.” ( Shakespeare  Act 1 scene 1)

      In this point in the play, Lear is determined to show that no one makes a fool of him. The choice is his and his alone to banish his innocent, young daughter forever. By saying, ” a stranger to my heart”, Lear is telling Cordelia that the love that she felt for her father was just an act and nothing more. Lear has left Cordelia on the mountain side and has told her to stop making excuses and just walk to the bottom of the mountain. He does not care what she will do now since he has given up his “paternal care”. Lear has left the best thing that has ever happened to him for false words.

” Prithee,nuncle, be contented; ‘t is a naughty night to swim in. Now a little fire in a wild field were like an old lecher’s heart, a small spark, all the rest on’ s body cold.” ( Shakespeare Act III Scene IV)

    The fool is playing the part of the determined man but he is not determined the same way Lear was. The fool wants to save his beloved Lear’s mind from going completely.  By saying the words, “Prithee” and “contented”, the fool wants to put Lear in a place of ease