ACT ONE, SCENE ONE KING LEAR It is said by Lear that it would have been better if Cordelia “hadst not been born than not t’have pleased me better”, but France supports her by referring to her as “Fairest Cordelia” to put her into a better light. As France is portrayed as a “true gentleman” his views and opinions are respected more by the audience than Lear’s, because Lear appears to the viewers as an egotistical and cruel man. Therefore, when France describes Cordelia as being “rich” but “poor”, “Most choice” yet “forsaken” and “most lo