Page 25 - Knighted_Issue2.0

Because Shakespeare does not subscribe to a completely formulaic approach of shaping
his characters there are some outliers who are different enough for the reader to take notice but
still fall within the pattern of gender biases as is the case with Kent from King Lear. Kent is one
King Lear’s men, he is not afraid to speak boldly and truthfully and he is unconditionally loyal to
his king. Kent was guided towards him committing his trick by being banished by King Lear for
speaking out against Lear’s misguided actions.

“This hideous rashness: answer my life my judgment,
Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least;
Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sound
Reverbs no hollowness…
My life I never held but as a pawn
To wage against thy enemies; nor fear to lose it,
Thy safety being the motive.” (1.1.51-54, 56-58)
After King Lear decided to divide his assets based on how much his daughters said they loved
him, Kent could see that that is not an adequate way of doing such things. King Lear’s youngest
daughter refused to play King Lear’s game, which makes him mad and he disinherits her. Kent
can see that out of the tree she is the one that actually loves him the most and that she is not
willing to participate in a charade in order to benefit from it. Kent decided to confront King Lear
and offer his insight, saying that just because Lear’s youngest daughter did not profess her love
like the others it did not mean that she loved him the least and that his two oldest daughters were
empty-hearted and superficial. Kent tells Lear that he is willing to give up his own life and fight
against Lear’s enemies without fear so long as Lear remains safe. King Lear decided to banish
Kent for speaking out against his actions; even if it was in Lear’s best interest. After being