10/10/2022 0 Comments Reflection on the idea of relationships in King Lear and "The Winner" by Barbara Kimenye![]() What does it mean for bonds that connect people to be through an emotional connection? In the short story "The Winner" by Barbara Kimenye, we follow our protagonist, Pius, who wins an immense amount of money through the football pools, completely subverting his life. Countless relatives and neighbours start to step into his life, including his closest friend Salongo, who Pius begins to rely on his advice when overwhelmed by the sudden change. Cousin Sarah starts to look out for Pius and stays with him after everyone disappointingly finds out that the money Pius won is, in reality, shared with other winners too. Everyone proclaimed that they would spend the money well now left, only for cousin Sarah to remain by his side. This reminds me much of the famous line Cordelia delivers in King Lear when she discloses: "I cannot heave my heart into my mouth. I love your majesty according to my bond; no more no less." (1.1.89-91) Cordelia is giving King Lear an honest assessment of her love for him, in contrast to the pampering of Goneril and Regan. In the short story, this idea is that an emotional bond is significantly more important in relationships between people and recognizing that it is there, rather than simply using people for what they give away. In The Winner, many of Pius' relatives suddenly step into his life when hearing about the money. Similarly, Goneril and Regan begin to flatter King Lear when he states he is willing to divide the kingdom. I believe that one of the essential foundations of a long-lasting relationship is creating an emotional connection. One can make a robust and respectable foundation by feeling emotionally attached. Cousin Sarah reflects on this idea when she tells Pius: "I suddenly remembered—although I don't expect you to—how you were at my wedding and so helpful to everybody. Well, I thought to myself, here is somebody who needs a good housekeeper, …" (Kimenye 8) Once finding out that he didn't win the amount of money initially thought to have, the family members left. It became clear that the connection between Sarah and Pius wasn't centered around money. When relationships rely on a particular aspect and are not genuine, they can become toxic, corrupted, and take a toll on both members. Bonds connecting people are there to bring out the best in you, not to abuse the power of what the other person has.
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