Act 4 Scene 6 portrays a mentally decrepit and feeble Lear. Cordelia, whose honesty--or as Lear may claim, insolence--seems to have ignited his cognitive downfall, ultimately becomes the one to pull him back to a sort of reality. Aging is a difficult process, and in this scene, Cordelia becomes a sort of caretaker for her delusional father. Thus, the traditional roles of father and daughter are switched. Lear seeks reassurance in Cordelia, despite his inability to recognize her. Also, while Cordelia seeks forgiveness, Lear maintains a grudge.
Yet, this is a more gentle Lear. Rather than showing manic wrath, he seems regretful of the actions he may have taken to cause his daughters to have "done [him] wrong" (IV.vii.79). As the gentleman explains, "the great rage, you see, is killed in him" (IV.vii.85-86). The calmness in Lear is somewhat haunting; this seems to be the final stages of his insanity. As his mental capacity slips, his rage may have departed, but his reason remains in question.
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