King Lear Act II Response 1

Sad as it is, there is often the case in which a child (though he or she may not be necessarily of a child's age) turns against their parent.  They undermine, they neglect, or they in essence mistreat their parents to such a degree that an outward appearance of the actions borders on the despicable.  The exact reason for this phenomena is wide open for debate, and can range from a grudge of a past wrongdoing, the result of a spoiled childhood, a culmination of years of irritation, or simply out of the questionable character (morally/ethically) of the child his or herself.  In the case of the two daughters in this story, i would say that a combination of all of the aforementioned scenarios can apply (probably with less of an emphasis on the wrongdoing).  The daughters have more likely than not known throughout their lives that one day they would inherit their father's land.  Whether that came by the way of the king's death or by some other means is unknown to them, but they have undoubtedly lusted after their hefty parcels.  Sheer greed mixed with the years of irritation of their father lecturing them about their mannerisms and what have you may have definitely fueled their treatment of their father.  Furthermore, the fact that the once king has handed over his land to his daughters, then proceeded to encroach on what was at one time, but no longer is his power may also come as an irritation at an extent great enough to make the daughters want to turn him away.