All the additions to a king (1.1.137-142)

KING LEAR

Only we still retain The name, and all the additions to a king; The sway, revenue, execution of the rest, Beloved sons, be yours: which to confirm, This coronet part betwixt you. Giving the crown

Lear wants to give up as many of his duties as he can but expects to be treated kindly regardless of his power - when his power is all that most people care about. He states that the only parts of kingship that will remain with him are “name and all the additions to a king”, but what are these “additions”? Perhaps there are no “additions” depending on one’s definition of a king’s “name”. These different ideas about kings are a source of conflict throughout. To the supposedly good characters, there are extra “additions” like acquiring respect, whereas characters who can be deemed evil, generally lack any sort of respect for Lear when he is powerless. The isocolon in this extract compares what will remain with what will be passed on. Notice that there are three passed on duties, yet only two remain with him. This subtly shows how much of his role he is giving away. Lear calls them “beloved sons”, establishing a sort of partnership which doesn’t exist. This displays Lear’s complete and utter lack of insight into people. As proof of these promises, Lear hands over a crown. Notice though that this is a “coronet”, usually worn by lesser royalty. Lear almost isn’t really giving up his role because any who take it up, will only be considered lesser royalty. He says to “part it betwixt” them, which would leave the crown broken and meaningless. The impossibility of splitting a crown to split power is emphasised here showing how silly it truly is.