"Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave
My heart into my mouth. I love your majesty
According to my bond, no more nor less."
While Lear is outraged at how his favorite daughter is treating him, he doesn't realize that there is actually a truth to her words. He finds her disrespectful of his position as King. What he does not realize is that however blunt and straightforward she may be, Cordelia is also nothing but honest. She will tell her father what she thinks, and stand by that no matter what. Before she is disowned by Lear, Cordelia also holds hierarchical power: she is the (favored) daughter of the king.
In Star Wars, Princess Leia is one of the "rebellions" leaders and a very strong female character: her decisions impact the future of all those who disagree with the imperial rule and their Emperor. She is a respected authority, but there are others above her in the hierarchy who will not hesitate to use their authority to make demands of her and subject her to whatever they feel is necessary so that she is subject to their rule and orders (Darth Vader captures and attempts to torture her for information, and Obi-Wan Kenobi's actions).
These two characters really relate to each other because not only are both girls princesses, they are the strong female figures of their stories and they are virtually unafraid to speak their mind. While they both suffer the consequences of having powerful families whose connections and enemies consistently interfere with their business, they always do what is "right" by treating those around them with the respect they deserve and they are not afraid to take action in the name of what they believe.
To me, connecting these two characters shows just how universal Shakespeare's stories and characters are. Not only is the concept of a powerful female who is always plotted against, the characteristics of Cordelia have lasted "in a galaxy far, far away" to another princess, one with just as good intent, whose father has lost sight of the light path (as Lear had) where she uses her army and forces in another attempt to make the world a better place.
In Star Wars, Princess Leia is one of the "rebellions" leaders and a very strong female character: her decisions impact the future of all those who disagree with the imperial rule and their Emperor. She is a respected authority, but there are others above her in the hierarchy who will not hesitate to use their authority to make demands of her and subject her to whatever they feel is necessary so that she is subject to their rule and orders (Darth Vader captures and attempts to torture her for information, and Obi-Wan Kenobi's actions).
These two characters really relate to each other because not only are both girls princesses, they are the strong female figures of their stories and they are virtually unafraid to speak their mind. While they both suffer the consequences of having powerful families whose connections and enemies consistently interfere with their business, they always do what is "right" by treating those around them with the respect they deserve and they are not afraid to take action in the name of what they believe.
To me, connecting these two characters shows just how universal Shakespeare's stories and characters are. Not only is the concept of a powerful female who is always plotted against, the characteristics of Cordelia have lasted "in a galaxy far, far away" to another princess, one with just as good intent, whose father has lost sight of the light path (as Lear had) where she uses her army and forces in another attempt to make the world a better place.
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