Feminist Critique

I think that Shakespeare’s King Lear offers a very interesting analysis for a Feminist Critic. Shakespeare does not relegate his women to an intellectually inferior and meek position. Instead, his three princesses assume an active role in driving forth the drama of the play.
Consider Goneril’s cunning in quickly articulating false flattery and then devising a plan of purposeful neglect towards her father, which she proceeds to recommend her sister to follow. “Put on what weary negligence you please,” she advises her steward, “You and your fellows, Ill have it come to question.” Interestingly, Shakespeare places this early scene from the first act of the play, only after a similar deceptive occurrence on the part of a male character. Edmund, the illegitimate son of Gloucester, is cunningly orchestrating a scene that will make it appear as though his half brother, Edgar, is attempting to kill their father. This juxtaposition of the two deceptions lets the audience compare these male and female characters, and find the woman an intellectual equal!
Obviously, Cordelia’s holds remarkable, admirable, character integrity. In refusing to participate in her father’s foolish test of devotion, Shakespeare is establishing her as the play’s moral compass. Additionally, this central female is a focal force of the play.
Admittedly, Shakespeare’s women, seemingly necessarily, are all coupled with men. King Lear’s deceitful elder two daughters are married to men of substantial estates. Additionally, Cordelia immediately at in the first scene of King Lear is betrothed to the prince of France, her only remaining suitor after her dowry is revoked. Shakespeare is very nearly saying, that in order for Cordelia to assume her critically active role in this play, it is necessary that she be married! The strong female lead cannot stand-alone. The feminist critic has what to applaud in King Lear but it was obviously not a complete victory.