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In Shakespeare’s play, King Lear, there are many recurring themes. Betrayal and reconciliation are often expressed through the actions of the characters. In the play, King Lear states that he is, “a man more sinned against than sinning” (Act V). Using the themes of betrayal and reconciliation and evidence from the text, it is shown that Lear’s evaluation of his character is incorrect in the sense that the start of all conflict could …

…of his two greedy daughters, temporarily sacrifices his sanity. The rekindling of his relationship with Cordelia is the only thing that can restore his reason. Lear’s actions were selfish and jealous, and his betrayal by his unworthy daughters was a lesser disloyalty than his betrayal of Cordelia. Lear cannot be seen as a man more sinned against, because in choosing between true love and false praises, he chose false praises, leading to his downfall.