Even though the play, King Lear, by William Shakespeare and the short story, The Winner, by Barbara Kimenye are from different time periods and countries, there are still important lessons to be learned about family relationships and friendships. Early on in both works, the reader is presented with greed as a theme that harms family relationships. In the short story, The Winner, all of Pius’ relatives want his money, “Hosts of relatives converged upon him from the four corners of the kingdom” (Kimenye). Upon hearing that Pius has won the football pools, his greedy relatives swarmed into his house to get some of the money he has won, and urging him to let them handle his money. Likewise, greed is instrumental in King Lear’s family dynamics. In the play when Cordelia has been banished by King Lear, she says to her sisters, “Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides, / Who covers faults at last with shame derides. / Well may you prosper” (1.1.282-284). Before the King of France left with Cordelia, she told her two sisters that whatever they are planning to do, the truth will come out no matter what they try doing to prevent it from coming out. She sees through their unreasonable lies to their father to gain his favor and have him give the kingdom to them. Another point is how friendships can be a supportive influence in a person’s life. In the play, Kent shows pure loyalty and friendship towards Lear, “I had rather break mine own. Good my lord, enter” (3.4.5). This shows that Kent is willing to do anything to keep Lear safe and risk his life to help him survive. In the short story, Cousin Sarah shows her relationship with Pius by helping him with the interview, or fixing up his house, “And don’t worry about your home—I shall stay here and look after things” (Kimenye). Cousin Sarah is willing to do anything to stay with Pius. Because of how caring she can be, Pius grew to love her and wants a wedding with her. The connections between King Lear and The Winner tells the reader how important family and friendship can be and how greed can destroy all relationships.
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December 2022
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