In metonymy… the literal term for one thing is applied to another with which it has become closely associated because of a recurring relationship in common experience. Therefore “the crown” or the scepter can be used to replace a king. (Abrams' Glossary of Literary Terms, 98) In William Shakespeare's play King Lear, the Fool compares King Lear's crown to an egg. Shakespeare's use of metonymy to replace the crown with an egg implies that Lear's kingship is fragile and fragile, on the verge of breaking at any moment. We discover through the narrative of the work that this is actually true; King Lear's kingdom collapses due to his stupid mistakes. King Lear's first mistake of laziness and selfishness leads to the exile of Cordelia and Kent. The revelation of his mistakes drives him to madness and ultimately death. The metonymy of the egg crown is effective here. Both the egg and the crown represent something precious and delicate, making the two interchangeable. King Lear is the figurehead of his kingdom with his power and command drawn from his crown. His crown is also a symbol of his kingdom which is essential to his ego and can be supported by the scene where he asks his daughters to tell him how much they love him. “Which of you will we say loves us most, / so that our greatest generosity may extend / where nature challenges with merit.” (I, i, 53-55) King Lear demands a public display of affection from his daughters because it demonstrates his dominance. Goneril and Regan's betrayal destroys King Lear's ability to lead, while the competition between the two sisters shatters his kingdom like an egg. Lear's relationship with his crown can be compared to that of a hen and her egg; both mean the world to their owners, and both... in the middle of the card..."When you split your / crown down the middle and gave away both parts, [...] you had little wit in / bald crown," (I.iv.14). The metonymy of the egg crown in King Lear is effective, the fragility and breaking of an egg is examined and compared to the crown, kingdom and kingship. An egg is naturally fragile and in King Lear so is the crown. King Lear's laziness leads to a series of events that ultimately cause the kingdom to collapse, resembling an egg with the slightest crack. Works Cited Essay/Term Paper: King Lear: Lear the Tragic Hero. (2010, 11). Retrieved from http://www.dreamessays.com/customessays/King%20Lear/2755.htm King Lear's Symbolism, Imagery, and Allegory. (2010, 11). Retrieved from http://www.shmoop.com/king-lear/symbolism-imagery.htmlShakespeare, William. King Lear. New revised edition. New York, NY: Penguin, 1987. Print.