Student Question
What causes Albany's change according to Goneril in Shakespeare's King Lear?
Quick answer:
Goneril attributes Albany's change in attitude to cowardice and fear, describing him as having a "cowish terror of his spirit." Despite being informed by Oswald about the French Army's arrival and other concerning news, Albany appears indifferent. Goneril criticizes him as a "milk-livered man" when he confronts her about her treatment of King Lear, showing her disdain for his perceived lack of courage and moral fortitude.
Goneril attributes her husband Albany's change in attitude to "the cowish terror of his spirit" (IV,ii,12); in other words, she says he is cowardly and afraid.
The steward Oswald reports that in addition to telling Albany that the French Army had landed, he gave him news about his wife, Gloucester, and his son which should have caused concern, but received little response. Oswald observes that "what most he should like seems pleasant to him, what like, offensive" (IV,ii,10-11).
Albany comes in soon after Goneril has described him as a coward to Edmund and Oswald. He is appalled at her behavior towards her father King Lear, and berates her, telling her "You are not worth the dust which the rude wind blows in your face" (IV,ii,31-32). Goneril is unphased by his diatribe and unrepentant, calling Albany a "milk-livered man" (IV,ii,51).
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