Cornwall Flashcards
(4 cards)
How is Cornwall characterised as a villain
Cornwall has no redeeming factors
-He is a morally repugnant character who commits the most shocking act of the play (Gloucester’s blinding)
-He’s habitually authoritarian and morally dubious being incredibly tyranical in his unjust punishment of Kent
Why does Cornwall die
He dies after exemplifying the vile depths that humanity can stretch to
What is Cornwall’s role
Cornwall is a symbol of ruthlessness and the dubious nature of the new world
-His tyranny mirrors the broader breakdown of order in Lear’s kingdom
How is Cornwall a foil to Albany
-Albany develops a strong moral conscience over the play whilst Cornwall by contrast is actively cruel enjoying exercising violence and punishment
-Cornwall is agressive and authoritarian from the start showing no growth or redemption whilst Albany starts as somewhat weak yet steps up later
-Albany becomes a defender of justice whilst Cornwall represents lawlessness and tyranny
