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   dymatsuoka

   Cordelia is a character with depth, capable of deep, abiding love.  She is reserved and perhaps a little standoffish, refusing to spoil the true nature of her feeling for her King Lear, her father, with empty and profuse proclamations.  In the beginning of the play, she declines to verbally declare her devotion to her father when requested, and her silence leads her father to disown her.  Even so, the fact that Cordelia loves her father is obvious, shown through action if not through words.

   Cordelia is loyal, and remains devoted to her father even though, time and time again, he treats her badly.  She is more concerned with his welfare than with herself, and being the type of person who demonstrates her devotion by what she does, goes out on a limb to save him when she sees him at the mercy of her cruel sisters Goneril and Regan.

   Kent is another character who is notable for his unselfish devotion to King Lear.  He is compassionate, sticking up for Cordelia when Lear denies her, and is rudely banished by the King for his efforts.  Still, Kent remains loyal, donning a disguise so that he can continue to protect his King.  Kent's kindness stems from a deep inner sense of honor and morality, and, like Cordelia, he is a man of action, demonstrating his love through his deeds more than with his words.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/kl/

   http://www.enotes.com/kl/cordelia-character-analysis

   http://www.enotes.com/kl/kent-character-analysis

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   Posted by dymatsuoka on Friday February 13, 2009 at 9:40 PM