Both father and daughter had previously severed their ties to each other due to Lear's rash decision to banish her from his kingdom. As his kingdom has since been brought to ruin due to his own decisions, Lear realizes that he has also harmed his daughter Cordilia. Cordillia listens to Lear's requests to “give him the poison he deserves,” but despite hating himself, Cordillia forgives him unconditionally (McCoy 51). He is forgiven because of Cordilia's love for him, not because of his actions, despite his fear of seeking her out (Synder 363). Because Lear receives forgiveness so easily from Cordillia, and his forgiveness comes not from his supposed righteousness, but from his unconditional love for his father, "King Lear" constitutes a definition of