Chinese Cinderella
What is it about King Lear that appeals to Adeline? What connections are there to her own family?
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Adeline is reading King Lear for pleasure. She probably identifies with the character of Cordelia, Lear's youngest daughter. Cordelia is misunderstood and basically disowned by her father for being true to herself (and the King) while rewarding her sisters who are spiteful and fake. At that point Irene is wearing fancy clothes while Adeline is wearing drab clothes. Adeline feels all but disowned by her own father while he favours her sisters.