TWO NOTES ON SHAKESPEARE: The Codification of Cordelia's Name

Abstract

Although etymologically Cordelia's name relates to cor de ilia ‘ with, or from, the heart’ and the name in King Lear suggests an anagram of ideal heart, such sentiment is at variance with her failure to communicate with the king and her self-willed behavior. Thus, it may be helpful to see in her name another anagram, cord and a lie, suggesting that her response to Lear, despite her good intentions, is a breaking of her bond to him.