Adoration for Cordelia

I was interested in this passage during Act 1, Scene 1 because I thought it was another place in which Cordelia truly stood up for herself to her father. She proves how she is a real and down to earth person and is not so easily influenced- which I admire.

[to Lear]

I yet beseech your Majesty-

If for I want that glib and oily art

To speak and purpose not, since what I well intend

I'll do 't before I speak - that you make known

It is not vicious blot, murder, or foulness,

No unchaste action or dishonored step

That hath deprived me of your grace and favor,

But even for want of that for which I am richer:

A still-soliciting eye and such a tounge

That I am glad I have not , though not to have it

Hath lost me in your liking.

In this passage, Cordeila tells her father from the start that her way of words means much less than her actions. She continues to defend herself saying by not expressing herself with wordsis not the same as committing a murder or an unlawful act. She is out of favor with her father simply because she does not have a smooth way with words and is a better person because of that, even though she knows she has lost her fathers love.

Comments

[Ruth E.]

I mean this is an important part of the play, but i dont get cordelia. Maybe shes just better than the rest of us, but she knew if she didnt say something nice her father would bannish her. Maybe for her own good she should have oily glibbed like her sisters. But i guess good for her for taking the high road. Luckly France liked her, if now i dont know what would have happend.

[Paul R.]

I deem Cordelia to be an admirable character as well. She stands up for herself, and doesn't try to fluff herself up with "cotton candy" (or rather, words without any substance). Her wisdom truly makes her the best-minded daugher of the three.

This situation actually kind of reminds me of M. Meursault, who didn't try to stretch words to promote his innocence during his trial, and acted similarly in other areas of his life.