How do the first two scenes set the scene and introduce us to key characters, provide us with necessary background information and orientation.

From the onset, it is clear that King Lear is a somewhat insecure, possibly senile, old man. His first act in the play is to demand to know how much his daughters love him so that he can reward their flattery with land. Lear’s daughters are all adults, so it would be safe to assume that he has had at least twenty years to gage how his daughters felt about him, so it seems particularly rash to make such a large decision about power distribution based on flattery. His request not only invites, but demands opulent flattery above heartfelt truth, and the conniving Regan and Goneril are only too happy to oblige. To the reader and to the audience in the court, it’s obvious that Regan and Goneril’s speeches are obnoxiously over the top, but Lear is still impressed. Perhaps this is because Lear has spent his entire life feeling insecure about his relationships with his daughters and now that he is in his old age, simply wants to hear – whether it’s true or not – that they love him. Still, the only daughter who loves Lear, Cordelia, in unable or unwilling to cheapen her love by competing with her sisters, so she remains silent, infuriating her father. It’s interesting to note that everyone in the court knows how much Cordelia loves her father, and it is suggested that Cordelia has always been Lear’s favorite, which is why it is so unexpected for Lear to disown his beloved daughter. Lear has foolishly chosen to trust his evil daughters while turning his back on his trustworthy child.

Over the course of the first two scenes, the reader becomes aware of how easily Lear is manipulated in his old age. Rather than looking for his daughters to love him genuinely, he craves attention and flattery. His oldest daughters are happy to oblige... to manipulate if it benefits them financially. His youngest daughter loses everything because she refuses to take part.

The opening scenes are filled with Lear's lack of confidence and unsurity, and one of the most important themes is betrayal.