Disclaimer: okay, like I said, Shakespeare owns all the characters, although I might be guilty of changing them slightly.
A.N: this won't really be a 'story' (there's no point in rewriting the whole play) but just separate letters, diary entries and anything else that I can think of for any particular part of the play, hopefully in the correct order.
Anyway, to continue, this is Gonerill's letter to Regan to get her help when they start their little 'plan' to reduce Lear. (around the end of Act 1) The words in italics are supposed to be the things Oswald adds. Read and Review!
Dearest Regan
I told our father that he is no longer in control of the palace because he is growing old and that as a result his knights are becoming riotous and behaving in ways not fit for such a grand palace. His moods are allowing the knights to take over from him, for although he has wisdom he fails to use it. I suggested that he send away some of his knights and only keep those who are well behaved and fitting to stay in our grand palace.
I am sending you this letter with Oswald, my trusted steward, whom I have told about the plan and I believe to be someone loyal enough to go against our father I would do anything for you, my lady. I have instructed him to add to this letter as he sees fit, although I am sure that you require no further encouragement.
I am sure you remember our conversation when we agreed that his unpredictable behaviour and poor judgement will soon offend us, and we must act to stop him. Now is the time to begin; he is furious and uncertain of himself. Our king is no longer the authority he was. Someone must put him in his place before he disgraces the palace.
Our father is not using the wisdom that we know him to posses, and this fault of his is not only moving him from his rightful place as our king, but encouraging his fool and even the knights to be insolent. They are so disorderly that all control of them has been lost and they are the ones in charge now. I do not think it is safe for anyone for father to have so many armed guards ready to fight for him whenever he wants something.
It was after he struck Oswald and I accused him of letting his own knights reduce him of his power, the argument started. He told me that it is so much worse to see a stone hearted monster in his daughter than the monster itself. Who's being a monster? We're merely trying to 'help' him, are we not? Yes, help him understand that he is getting old.
He worked himself up into such a fury that he cursed me Blasts and fogs upon thee! which did not surprise me, for we already know he has a terrible, uncontrollable temper (as he demonstrated when he banished our sister, Cordelia, and even Kent) and often does not realize what he is saying. He appealed to Nature, asking that should I have a child, it will be a 'child of spleen' which will torment me and me 'how sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child.'
My husband Albany was listening but he was no help whatsoever. He tried to calm father, but he admitted that he didn't know what had happened to make him so angry I am guiltless as I am ignorant of what hath moved you. When father threatened that I shall be punished - by you - she comes too short, my lady. He said 'with her nails she'll flay thy wolvish visage' for what I had done to him and that I was not worth the tears I caused, Albany he's useless, you can't count on him for anything, especially against our king answered that even though he loves me so he cannot ignore what father says.I explained to him that I know father's heart and that I am writing you a letter to see if you would sustain him and his knights even after I have showed their incompetence and repeated to you what he said.
I am sure that I can trust you will keep to your word and will refuse him when he comes to you, who he believes is the last daughter he has left who will be loyal to him after Cordelia and I have turned against him. 'I have another daughter, who I am sure is kind and comfortable.' I repeat, we must do something i'th'heat.
Love,
Gonerill
I am afraid these things are correct, and it appears you are the most sensible people left to help our king. If he does not listen to his daughters, then who else does he have? It is up to you two, and I will help in any way I can. No doubt he will try to banish you as well, but you are already married and he is powerless, for you have already taken all he possesses. I wish you luck. Oswald.
