Comparison of Shakespeare's King Lear to Hamlet

"Sorrow would be a rarity most beloved / If all could so become it" (4.4.23-4). These are the words echoed by the Gentleman in act 4 scene4 of King Lear which shows the remorse felt by Cordelia illustrating her loyalty for her father King Lear after hearing of his usurpation and treatment borne out of family betrayal. This theme of sorrow caused by betrayal testing loyalty can also be found in Hamlet in the way Hamlet meditates on his fathers passing and rejects Claudius as a father. It can be seen that King Lear and Hamlet by William Shakespeare share similar parent-child relationships through betrayal and loyalty in the family throughout the play.

In King Lear by William Shakespeare, King Lear is betrayed by his daughters Goneril and Regan. This can be seen in act 1 scene 4 when King Lear says, "How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show" (1.1.251). It is here at this point where King Lear sees the error of his ways in exiling Cordelia and turning to his other daughters for support. Contrary to what King Lear believed, Goneril did not act hospitable to King Lear and instead ousted King Lear out of her home showing betrayal of trust laid down in act 1 scene 3 where King Lear says, "I do invest you jointly with my power" (1.1.127), believing that he can give over his kingly power to his trusted daughters who in turn backstab him after he has done so. Another instance where family members turn upon family members is illustrated by Edmunds' betrayal towards Edgar and later Gloucester, his father. In act 1 scene 2 Edmund lays the trap that will tear his family apart when he says, "Well, my legitimate, if this letter speed / And my invitation thrive" ( 1.2.19-20), after which he places evidence of treachery from Edgar toward Gloucester who shortsightedly becomes defensive and begins to think Edgar is plotting against him, much to the delight of Edmund. Interestingly enough what is common between King Lear and Gloucester is that their pride inhibits their foresight into what may occur given the circumstances in which they make decisions. Instead of accepting that Cordelia loves him but not completely, King Lear, having his pride hurt, banishes Cordelia. In a similar fashion Gloucester sends Edmund to investigate upon the mysterious letter instead of confronting Edgar himself. Due to their major egos and pride Lear and Gloucester do not foresee what may result in their decisions in the long run.

In contrast to King Lear by William Shakespeare, Hamlet by William Shakespeare shows betrayal by family through the murder of King Hamlet later, referred to as the ghost, and the sentencing of death by Claudius in secret upon young Hamlet, hereupon referred to as Hamlet. It is revealed to Hamlet by the Ghost that, "The serpent that did sting thy father's life / Now wears the crown" (1.5.38-9), conveying that Claudius who is now king killed Hamlets father. It is in this scene where Hamlet comes to the knowledge that will eventually lead to the demise of the entire royal family and to him. This is relevant since this can be seen as an excuse for Hamlet to act upon his misery, which he does, and avenge his fathers' death which he has spent much time meditating over. One other point where family betrays family in Shakespeare's Hamlet is when Claudius plots to send Hamlet away to be condemned in London. In act 4 scene 3 one takes note that Claudius illustrates through his words that, "By letters congruing to that effect / The present death of Hamlet" (4.3.61-2). This indicates that through his letters, Claudius may permanently be rid of Hamlet, who is both his stepson and nephew, which in this case would make is actions a betrayal upon blood itself.

One commonality found between King Lear and Hamlet aside from the brutality of family betrayal is the filial bond between parents and children. In King Lear it is Cordelia that comes to the aid of her father even though she was forsaken by her family, and it is Hamlet in Hamlet that answers the Ghosts calls for retribution when everyone else moves on with their lives. In King Lear Cordelias' bond to her father can be seen when Cordelia says, "I would prefer him to a better place" (1.1.275), indicating that although she has been outcast by her father, Cordelia still is concerned about her fathers well being. This is a particular piece of evidence since her love for her father goes beyond the sentencing causing her to be concerned about his well being even though she herself is in a dismal state. In contrast to King Lear, Hamlet the play portrays Hamlet as a distraught son over the death of his father whereas Cordelia is initially seen as a beloved daughter later estranged. In act 1 scene 5 is can be seen that Hamlet is attempting to grasp exactly what he must do for his fathers ghost when he says, "O' all you host of heaven! O earth! What else? / And shall I couple hell" (1.5.92-3). This illustrates that although Hamlet understands that he may go to hell for this act he must avenge his fathers murder, which eventually he does. This shows the loyalty of Hamlet since even though he does not want to go to hell, his love for his father overcomes his concern. This is in contrast to the loyalty and righteousness found in Cordelia since she does not have to deal with going to hell for actions taken since she is trying to protect her father, not intending to kill anyone.

In keeping close to act4 scene4 of King Lear tt can be seen that betrayal and loyalty in the family is a common element found both in King Lear and Hamlet. Just as Goneril, Regan, and Edmund betrayed their families in King Lear so did Claudius betray his brother in Hamlet. But filial loyalty can also be seen since Cordelia and Hamlet attempt to honor their parents in their own respective ways.

Works Cited

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. From The Riverside Shakespeare. Ed. G. Blakemore Evans. Boston: Houghton, 1974

Shakespeare, William. King Lear. Ed. Claire McEachern. Los Angeles: University of California, 2005.