King Lear Act I (post ii)

Loyalty is a rather interesting concept.  It is typically based on friendship, but doesn't necessarily have to be.  For those loyalties that are based in friendship, the basis is usually in that the two people trust and support each other and in that right, will remain loyal to one another.  For those loyalties that aren't based on friendship, it can be for a similar mutual respect between the two individuals.  The type of loyalty in which a person devotes themselves to the other person (like Kent to Lear in this case) is modernly referred to as being clingy and is typically not tolerated.  The situation between Lear and Kent is practically beyond explanation.  This prime example of altruism is rarely (if ever) seen for the simple reason that it rarely benefits the one showing the loyalty.  In Kent's case, it didn't benefit him at all (considering his banishment).  Put short, the loyalty in Kent's case was not at the same extent as loyalty will be referred to in more modern times.  Probably one of the most important characteristics of someone who wishes to attract loyalty is a capability for the understanding of the feeling of those loyal to him/her.  Those wishing to attract loyalty must give those exhibiting loyalty an incentive to stay loyal.  They must show those loyal to them that they mean something to the person shown loyalty.  One of the people that I feel best exemplifies what it takes to attract loyalty is Dr. Vesper.  He has only the best interests of the community at large at heart, while simultaneously making sure that every individual is also taken care of.  

King Lear Act I (post 1)

While i do not condone the behavior of either Goneril or Regan, i do understand what is going through their minds in this instance.  Up for grabs is a rather substantial part of a kingdom.  Now, this is much better than anything any naive daughter got on MTV's Super Sweet 16.  It's logical that they are going to want the most of this gift that they can get, and will do things that they wouldn't do normally in order to get it.  There's a saying that goes, "everyone has their price."  This most definitely applies here as a parcel of a kingdom of this nature is like learning that you and another family member are the sole benefactors of a large sum of money left in a passed loved one's will, but you have to do something out of the ordinary for yourself to get it.  The world inside their heads is completely obsessed with getting as much of their dad's land as they can possibly get, and this means that they're not paying much attention to others feelings.  I can't say that I personally have ever been in a situation in which i would completely disregard others in order to acheive a desire, but I am aware that there is a certain amount of prosperity that i would start to loosen my morals and ethics in order to obtain.