We see King Lear’s first foolish mistake in the way he decides to divide his kingdom in three parts. He believes that he can keep his title, and with it all the benefits of being King even after he abdicates.
We see even more foolishness in the way he judges his daughters’ characters and misinterprets their words. The way in which he chooses to share his lands is another obvious indication of his lack of common sense. In giving his daughter the “love test” he shows how he is impressed by the big words Reagan and Gonnoreil display and fails to understand Cordelia’s message. Had he never spoken to his daughters before? It is obvious that he had little knowledge concerning his daughters’ true nature.
Lear banishes Cordelia because he believed she was disrespecting him, and he also dismisses Kent for defending Cordelia. His poor judgment leads to tragic consequences, by sending those who care for him away he is left at the mercy of his enemies. He thrusts the wrong people and in doing so he condemns those who care about him.
Lear is a fool, and his fool is a wise man, this contrast emphasizes on the fact that appearance is deceitful. Lear judges people from the first impression they give him, and ignores those who would help him. The fool represents wisdom and the king is a fool.
Lear’s inability to listen to what those around him have to say may well be considered one of his foolish traits. Had he paid any attention to what people really intended with their words and actions.
The Essay on The Fool And Cordelia Opposing Influences On King Lear
... Fool and Cordelia are similarly candid towards their King, they never interact in Shakespeare's King Lear, because the Fool is a chaotic influence while Cordelia ... the actions of such uncaring people. Cordelia's considerate nature soothes the King's overwrought mind. Because the King seems rash and even ... are my daughters." (3. 2. 16-17). Though Lear is prone to anger when he is with the Fool that ...
As a result of Lear’s mindless actions many suffer. Lear seems to be cursed by fate and he brings misfortune to those around him. Gloucester, Kent, Cordelia and the fool are all innocent, yet they are forced to suffer for Lear’s mistakes.
Lear is a foolish man; he acts unwisely and deserved to be punished for the way in which he acted, and however the consequences for his actions seem to be far too dire. His punishment seems unfair as it is too tragic.
However one can feel no sympathy for Lear, he was inconsiderate towards the fate of those who loved him. His stubborn and selfish attitude forces misery onto others. One can only pity Gloucester and Cordelia as they are innocent and die only because they believed they could help Lear.
