The cost of truth-telling in human relationships is sometimes high. Often the road to determining how to tell the truth well seems rocky and steep. Shakespeare’s King Lear brings this point home, expressed in many layers over the course of the play. I will always be grateful for the long, nuanced conversations about this play that I had with my favorite teacher, Jody Grosh. Reading it again last night reminded me of the unique treasures that always appear with each new experience of the play. Some of the lines I enjoy and find most interesting include these by Cordelia:
Cordelia: Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave
My heart into my mouth, I love your Majesty
According to my bond, no more no less.
Lear: How, how Cordelia! Mend your speech a little,
Lest it may mar your fortunes.
Cordelia: Good my lord,
You have begot me, bred me, loved me. I
Return those duties back as are right fit.
Obey you, love you, and most honor you.
Why have my sisters husbands if they say they love you all?
Haply, when I shall wed,
That lord whose hand must take my plight, shall carry
Half my love with him, half my care and duty.
Sure, I shall never marry like my sisters,
To love my father all.
(Act I, Scene 1, lines 93 – 106)
Todd Rivetti 