Re: Identical Claims of Lear and Goneril -- Mimetic Theory and Literary Study

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Date Posted: 19:58:00 02/03/08 Sun
Author: Jfish
Subject: Re: Identical Claims of Lear and Goneril
In reply to: Cara 's message, "Identical Claims of Lear and Goneril" on 15:30:48 02/03/08 Sun

Well Cara,
If I'm understanding mimetic theory right, getting their fair share is exactly the problem. Their rivalry was always between each other, not Lear or Cordelia. In fact, it is exactly because they were so equal to each other, let us say, in neglect, that they bicker between each other (when the ghettos riot they hurt each other most). It would have been best, according to mimetic theory, to not have given any equal favor at all.

The worst of the Goneril/Regan rivalry, is that their is no clear model. They continued to be so much like each other that they became stuck at the moment where model and imitator are equal. This is an obvious recipe for disaster.

So I'm not sure we should ultimately judge their actions by how they treat their father. Their actions towards him, either good or bad, is a consequence of their infighting. Lear and Cordelia pass as afterthoughts and are merely their objects of rivalry.

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Replies:

Re: Identical Claims of Lear and Goneril -- Cara, 06:54:34 02/04/08 Mon