Why is Edmund jealous of his brother?
1) He is jealous of all the attention Edgar receives from their father.
2) He is jealous because his brother is a true son, and he himself is a bastard.
Who is blind cupid according to Lear?why is he blind?
Gloucester is blind cupid, he is blinded by Cornwall because of his part in sending Lear to Dover, and the letter he had in his possession about a movement to avenge the King.
What does it means "I am a man more sinned against than sinning"
It means that people have done him wrong and that he does less wrong against others than has been done to him.
Distinguish between King Lear's real madness and Edgar's simulated madness?
Lear unlike Edmund suffers a natural loss of sanity while edmund simulates his madness for survival .
who kills the Duke of Cornwall?
He is killed by a servant who's murdered afterwards
Name the Goneril's servant?
His name is Oswald, and he is evil.
Who stays with king lear during the storm?
Both Kent and the Fool refuse to leave the King during the storm. They loyally stay with him.
What city is invaded~by the King of France?
Thr King of France invades the city of Dover.
What is the significance of earl of Gloucester blindness?
Gloucester's blinding in the play represents his emotional blindness towards his two sons, Edgar and Edmund. The running irony in Lear is that men only see the truth after they have been physically blinded. It is only after Gloucester's blindness that he really sees the true nature of his sons and which son actually loved him.
How is Kent different from Oswald?
Both these guys are servants and loyal in their own ways. Kent is really the personification of loyalty. Even after Lear banishes him Kent sneaks back in disguise so he can keep serving Lear. Oswald serves Goneril but is slimier than Kent. While Kent represents a wholesome loyalty, Oswald isn't afraid to cheat and lie for Goneril. Oswald also has his selfinterest that he works for. I don't think Kent has any self-interest other then helping his King.
Why are cornwall and Edmund drawn together?
Cornwall and Edmund seem drawn to each other because both want power and do not hesitate to acquire it, even if they make others suffer as a consequence.
How are we to account for Cordelia's answer?
Her love was deep, honest, real. Such love does not parade itself. A fine nature never makes a show of itself.
How would you describe the character of Kent?
Kent possesses all the fine traits which make a man noble. Self-sacrifice, loyalty, faithfulness and goodness are developed to a high degree in his character.
How has the kingdom prospered under Albany and Cornwall?
It has not prospered. Albany and Cornwall are quarreling; a French army is about to invade this "scattered kingdom."
What is the dramatic effect of the storm?
It increases the sympathy for Lear.
Is Edgar really mad?
If not, how do you account for his actions and words? No. He feigns madness to preserve his life.
How is the King's mind affected?
He becomes insane.
What is the dramatic effect of the meeting of Gloucester and Edgar?
It adds pathos and increases the interest and sympathy in the action.
Describe the Dover Cliff incident?
Gloucester determines to commit suicide by throwing himself over the Dover Cliff. He meets Edgar and not recognizing his son, asks him to lead the way to the Cliff. Edgar divines his father's intention and leads him across a field, but pretends they are climbing a steep hill. They finally stop and Edgar tells his father they are within a foot of the edge of a great precipice. Gloucester gives Edgar money and tells him to go away; he then throws himself forward. Edgar, who has thought of this deceit to cure his father of his wish to die, now comes forward as another person who had seen the fall. Gloucester is persuaded that he did fall. Since he was not killed he decides to live and bear his affliction.
How does Albany learn of the treachery of his wife and Edmund?
By means of the letter which Edgar gives him in Scene i.
Do you find any difference in character between Regan and Goneril?
Goneril seems to be more resourceful in wickedness; she plans and proposes while Regan only seconds the propositions of her sister. Regan is afraid of Goneril; Goneril is afraid of no one. Goneril offers herself to Edmund while her husband is still alive; Regan makes no advances to Edmund until after her husband's death. Goneril agrees to the murder of Cordelia, poisons Regan, and attempts to kill her husband. She seems more wicked than Regan.
In what form does Poetic Justice manifest itself in the cases of Lear and Gloucester? Poetic Justice manifests itself in the case of Lear, in the realization of his misplaced confidence, and in his and Cordelia's death; in the case of Gloucester, in the realization of his misplaced confidence, his cruel harshness, and in the loss of his eyes.
Describe Major Themes Of King Lear?
The major themes in the play are:
Justice “Cosmic justice is denied, yet human justice prevails in the play King Lear”
Family “The relationship between parents and children is unrealistically portrayed in the play King Lear”
Loyalty (&/or Betrayal) “It is only the loyalty of loved ones that enables Lear and Gloucester to endure their sufferings”
Blindness “The theme of blindness – both physical and emotional – is dramatically presented in the play King Lear”
Appearance vs Reality (Deception/Manipulation) “In King Lear, whilst characters are initially fooled by appearances, they gradually come to see the truth”
Madness “In King Lear, ‘sane’ characters frequently behave in a crazy manner, whilst ‘mad’ characters at times seem perfectly sane”
Love “Love as a redemptive force is a major theme in the play King Lear” “The play King Lear memorably explores the meaning of love“
Good and Evil “King Lear examines the nature of good and evil but neither force emerges triumphant” Suffering
Learning through suffering is central to the play” Forgiveness “The importance of self-knowledge and forgiveness is strikingly evident in the play King Lear” Kingship “The play King Lear explores what it means to be a good King”
When was King Lear first performed?
The first recorded performance of the play was on December 26, 1606, before James I at Whitehall Palace.
Who are the two nobles in the opening scene and what are they talking about?
The two nobles in the opening scene are Earl of Kent and Earl of Gloucester and they are talking about their mistaken view of King Lear prefering Duke of Albany over Duke of Cornwall who are his first and second daughters, that is, Goneril and Regan, husbands respectively. They realise that the King's division of his Kingdom lacks favortism so upon the arrival of Edmund, Gloucester's illegitimate son, who gains favour in his father's and acquaintance's eyes. Also,Gloucester speaks positively of both his sons which seemingly cherishes and love without favour which is an element unique to his character unlike other characters in the Shakespeare Plays.
What does Old King Lear plan to do with his kingdom?
What is the test that he proposes to the daughters? Old King Lear plans to split his Kingdom equally among his three daughters BUT he wanted to offer majority of it to the daughter who was able to convince him of their love toward him which would be considered far more superior to the other.
How do each of the first two daughters answer the old man?
The first two daughters answered the old man with sweet sounding words which were full of fluff and flattery. For example- Goneril "Sir, I love you more than word can weild the matter" and Regan " And find I am alone felicitate in your dear Highness's love"
What is Cordelia's answer and why does she answer as she does?
What does her reference to "nothing" suggest about the use of this motif in the rest of the play?
Cordelia's answer is Nothing and she answers the way she does because of the flattery displayed by her sisters and her inability to transfer her feelings into words. As seen when she states, “heave her heart into her mouth,” that she loves him exactly as much as a daughter should love her father. Her reference to "nothing" suggest about the use of this motif in the rest of the play is that it reflects how the actions taken by some of the characters such as Cordelia and Edmund is based on nothing, their actions simply mistaken by its viewers.
Do you think that Cordelia is being cruel in refusing to play her father's game?
Why?
I do not think that Cordelia was bieng cruel in refusing to play her father's game because she is an individual unable to profess her feelings openly but uses her actions which was expected to speak louder than her words.
How does Lear react to Cordelia's response?
How does Lord Kent react to Lear's response? King Lear obviously became infuriated by Cordelia's response since he disowned her and splitted her share between her sisters. Lord Kent reacts to Lear's response by not conforming to his usual norm but rather questioning the King's judgement and wisdom along with ridiculling him for being unable to see through the flattery of Goneril and Regan's speech and acknowledge the daughter that loved him the most bieng Cordelia whom was bieng punished for bieng honest.
How might the references to sight and blindness become important for the rest of the play?
The references to sight and blindness became important for the rest of the play since the physical blindness of Gloucester symbolizes the metaphorical blindness that cripples both Gloucester and Lear who are fathers. The similarities between the two men are apparent for they both have loyal children and disloyal children, both are blind to the truth, and both end up banishing the loyal children and making the wicked one(s) their heir(s). Only when Gloucester has lost the use of his eyes and Lear has gone mad does each realize his tremendous error because their blindness to the truth about their children has cost them dearly.
How do France and Burgandy each react to the news that Cordelia will not receive any dower and what does their reaction tell us about their characters?
France's and Burgandy's reaction to the news that Cordelia will not recieve any dower was quite different. For Burgandy bieng the first to respond states his displeasure with the Lear's decision and eagerly backs out of the fight for Lear's approval. This reaction tells us that Burgandy was only concerned about his inheritance through marriage relation rather than actually loving Cordelia. While France unexpected response is completely opposite to that of his opponent which is his willingness to accept her because he loved her and not her dower. France's reaction tells us that his feelings toward Cordelia were indeed genuine.
What does Cordelia mean when she says to her sisters, "I know you what you are." What do the sisters say about their father near the end of the scene?
Cordelia means when she says to her sisters, "I know you what you are" that she figured out that her sisters conniving behaviour was the surface of their plot to dethrone the King. The sisters near the end of the scene talk about their fathers illness and age which is the root cause of his inability to judge accurately as he once did.
What parallels do you see between this scene and the first one?
The parallels that I see between this scene and the first one is Cordelia and Edmund who are both unable to openly express their feelings. While on the other hand, Lear and Gloucester who are unable to see and judge the actions of their children.
Why does Kent wish to serve Lear?
What does he discern in Lear's countenance and how is this ironic? Kent wishes to serve Lear because he respects him and only wants to guide him to see what is going on around him. He discerns in Lear's countenance is respect and acceptance. This is ironic since Lear punished him for expressing his beliefs openly which were contradictory to that of his superior.
What is the Fool's function in this part of the play and what are at least three examples of how he fulfills this function?
The fool's function in this part of the play is to foolishly enlightening the King while ridiculing his judgements. Three examples of how he fulfills this function are: " If a man's brains were in's heels, were't not in danger of kibes?", "Why to put's heads in, not to give it away to his daughters, and leave his horns without a case" and "If thou wet my fool nuncle, I'ld have thee beaten for bieng old before thy time."
How does Edmund trick his brother Edgar into fleeing?
Edmund tricks his brother Edgar into fleeing by convincing him that Cornwall was angry with him for being on Albany's side of their "disagreement" and that it would be beneficial for him to leave his hiding place because Cornwall knew of it.
How might Kent's line "Nothing almost seems miracles/But misery" serve as a motto for the play?
Kent's line "Nothing almost seems miracles/But misery" serves as a motto for the play because it shows on doing no wrong one is still punished.
What is Regan's first response when Lear complains of his treatment at the hands of her sister?
Regan's first reponse when Lear complains of his treatment at the hands of her sister is that her sister is merely performing her duty and should not be blamed.
When King Lear announces that he is retiring, what does he want to do with his lands?
Divide them equally amongst his daughters.
When Cordelia refuses to profess her undying love for her father (the King), what does her father do?
Her father disowns her.
What is the name of the person who stands up for Cordelia when her father disinherits her?
Kent.
Which man marries Cordelia even though she doesn't have a dowry?
The King of France.
What does the storm in Act 3 symbolize?
The storm powerfully symbolizes the chaos in Lear’s mind: the violent tumult in the natural world reflects Lear’s inner turmoil. But the storm also provides an example of the power of nature, from which not even a king is safe. Even as he challenges the storm, Lear recognizes his own mortality and human frailty—perhaps for the first time. The storm may also be a reference to the idea of divine justice, since tempests and thunder have been viewed in both Christian and pagan traditions as a demonstration of divine anger or power. Thus, the storm seems both to point out the weakness of Lear’s royal power in the face of nature’s supremacy and to imply that the gods are angry at the state of human affairs. Such anger is likely directed not only at Lear’s enemies for their ruthless and cruel ambition but also at Lear for his initial callous treatment of Cordelia.
What role do women play in King Lear?
The female characters in King Lear are powerful figures who are often as aggressive as, and at times more ruthless than, their male counterparts. Cordelia, who is pure, unselfish, and loyal, is a more standard Shakespearean woman than her strong, assertive, conspiratorial, violent, and regal sisters, Goneril and Regan. While the older sisters are clearly very different in personality from the youngest, and while Goneril and Regan are clearly villains, all three daughters resemble their father.
Explain the roles of king Lear in the play King Lear by William .
Shakespeare Lear is an old king, he originally divides the kingdom among his three daughters but ends up refusing it to Cordelia as she will not flatter him like her sisters. He banishes her, though regretting this action once living with Regan and Goneril who are ungrateful and treat him horribly. He escapes to the woods and encounters poor Tom, a madman, with whom he sympathizes. He wishes to reduce himself to essential man. He then goes mad. Kent and Gloucester help him to Dover where he is reunited with Cordelia. They lead the battle with France against Albany and Edmund, but lose and Cordelia and Lear are taken prisoner. After Cordelia's death, Lear grieves and dies.
What does Kent give the knight to show Cordelia in Act 3?
Kent gives the knight a his purse and ring which to be shown to Cordelia if he sees her in his mission.
Why does Edgar fool his father at Dover in King Lear?
Edgar wants his father to stop trying to kill himself. Edgar takes advantage of his father's blindness and makes him believe that he is on a high cliff. Gloucester thinks he is jumping off a cliff but it is really like two feet. Edgar puts on a different accent and comes to Edgar's aid. He tells him that he had jumped of a cliff and the Gods have miraculously saved him. Edgar wants his father to think the Gods favor him so he will stop trying to end his life.
What is the role of the fool in Act 1?
The hired court Fool, he attends Lear regularly and points out the truths which are missed or ignored. Upset by Cordelia's banishment, he ridicules Lear for being foolish enough to banish the good daughter and trust the evil ones. He further mocks his decision to give up his authority so fully.
Can Cordelia be blamed for whatever happens to her?
Cordelia cannot be blamed for her honesty. Unlike her sisters, she refused to embellish and lie when her father put love to the test. Lear's pride required stroking.and Cordelia's love for him was true and solid. Her words were truthful and genuine. Unfortunately, her father didn't want the truth and embraced her sisters ,extravagant lies over her simple, pure love.
How does lear change when he regains his sanity?
Lear feels "out of it". Lear wakes and Cordelia addresses him. Lear feels awakened from the grave and wishes they had left him. Very drowsy at first, Lear thinks Cordelia is a spirit and then realizes he should know her and Kent (disguised) but has difficulty putting his memory together. Finally he recognizes Cordelia, to her delight, but thinks he is in France. The Doctor advises them to give Lear his space so Cordelia takes him for a walk.
When Cordelia refuses to prefer her undying love for her father what does her father do?
When Cordelia refuses to flatter her father, he disowns her.
“Nothing will come of nothing”. What does Shakespeare mean by this in the play King Lear?
When Lear stages his silly love test, he asks Cordelia "What can you say to draw a third [of the kingdom] more opulent than your sisters?" Cordelia replies, "Nothing."Lear is offended and says, "Nothing will come of nothing." The idea is that if Cordelia refuses to play his silly game, she will get nothing in the way of inheritance
Discuss briefly the character sketch of Gloucester in King Lear?
The parallel character to Lear in the subplot, Gloucester is tricked by his bastard son Edmund into thinking that Edgar wishes to kill him. He trusts Edmund with his secrets until it is revealed that Edmund has betrayed him. He is blinded for being a traitor and helping Lear escape to Dover. Edgar, as poor Tom, leads him to Dover where he is tricked out of committing suicide. He sees Lear in his madness and wishes it upon himself. The news of Edgar's true identity overwhelms him, cracking his heart.
Why does Goneril accuse King Lear and his knights ?
Scene iii reintroduces Goneril, as she is outraged by the offenses she contends Lear has been showing her since moving into her residence. He has struck Oswald for criticizing his fool, his knights are riotous and so on, she claims.
What did Gloucester hope for ?
How did he perform it ? Did he succeed?
Gloucester hoped to both see his son and be reconciled with him (Edgar). Gloucester doesn't know his wish has come true until Edgar reveals his identity in Act Five, Scene Three. After which, Gloucester, overwhelmed by the news that his heart gave out.
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