In act 1 Scene 1 the drama of Shakespeare's play is already unveiled in some measure. A progression is made towards the climax from early in the unfolding drama with a dialogue between a father (the kind) and his daughters. He questions them on the quantity of their love towards him and this lone factor determines the share of their inheritance:
'Goneril: Sir I love you more that words can wield the matter; Dearer that eyesight, space, and liberty; Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare; No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour; As much as a child e'er loved, or a father found; a loves that makes breath poor, and speech unable; beyong all manner of so much I love you.'
My interpretation-
'Goneril: my ever so respected father, I love you more than can ever be described by words alone. You mean more to me than being able to see or have space and freedom. Those are secondary compared to my love for you. My love is beyond all the riches in the world, in face, it is as much as a life itself, infact, I have more love for you than any child that has ever have immence love for her father. My love is so strong, that even breathing and speech are inadequate to compare with'
My take on the scene at this point is that Goneril is pampering and flattering her father with fancy comparisons and unrealistic references. In this her father is well please and as an outsider analyzing the scene, she appears to take it as a mild joke, a conclusion come about as a result of her choice of words. The need for exaggeration emphasizes the liklihood of insincerity in her speech.
'Regan- Sir, I am made of the self-smae metal that my sister is, and prize me at her worth. In my true heart I felt she names my very deed of love; only she comes too short: that I profess myself an enemy to all other joys, which the most precious square of sense posesses; and find I am alone felicitate In you highness' love.'
My interpretation - Regan 'I am not different to my sister, after all we both are of the same background. She is not better than I am, and so she worded her description of love to you very well, but still, it comes short. Let me state this; my world simply does not function without this love that we share, no matter what other circumstances I simply do not feel happy or content until I am certain of your love.'
In my perspective, innocently, Shakespeare is alluding and establishing the basis of the story and it's characters. Regan is very extravagant however she is very observant and has evidently paid attention to the words of her older sister. She then makes an attempt to surpass the love stated by Goneril, flattering her father even more. She describes him as the center of all her choices and the force which controls her happiness. His pleasure grows and he permits to her to have her inheritance without any problems.
Cordelia:'Good my lord, you have begot me bread me, loved me: I return those duties back as are right fit, obey you, love you, and most honour you. Why have your sisters husbands if they say they love you all? Haply when I shall wed that Lord who's 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'
My interpretation: Cordelia -'My Lord. The love I have is only proportionate to the love you have ever shown to me. You kept me, raised me and loved me, for that I am always greatful. Why have my sisters married persons for whom she has no love if she herself stated that all the love is for you? I know that when I am married, my husband will have half of my love and attention as opposed to the types of wives my sisters are now, giving all of it to their father.'
This is a young lady who questions her ability to give epistles of any kind as an expression of self. She is rather sarcastic, peaceful and honest. In this scene it appears that she starts off nervous with her aside comments pondering on what is left to say that would satisfy her father's quench for love. However, she is admirably brave as she bluntly states her feelings in the most genuine ways possible, putting away all issues of displeasing him, and rather confronting him with truth.
King Lear's vexation followed as a response to Cordelia's 'less than fancy' expression of the quantity of her love. The difference between the different speeches dealt with in this scene is it's quantitative characteristic against the quality of what is being said. King Lear was a short-tempered man who was unreasonable in his judgement, nor was he accustomed to criticism. This is shown in his follow up threat towards Kent for trying to advise him against the decisions he was making.
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