Act 1:1 Flashcards
Where does this scene take place?
In King Lear’s castle, and the dialogue opens in prose, framing the formal way in which Lear wants to divide his kingdom and announce his retirement
Summary of Scene 1:
- Lear plans to divide his kingdom between his daughters’ husbands, in exchange for Goneril Regan and Cordelia exclaiming their love for him
- both Goneril and Regan aim to overwhelm Lear with their expression of love, whereas Cordelia doesn’t, however Lear cannot see past his daughters manipulation and banishes Cordelia
- Lear also banishes Kent for being frank with him about Lear’s flaws
What is a key quote that sets up the tragedy for the play, relating to the idea of ‘nothingness’
Kent says ‘nothing will come of nothing’, which is ironic as after Cordelia is banished, she is reduced to ‘nothing’ but then becomes the queen of France
What quote links to Lear’s metaphorical blindness and how does this set up tragedy throughout the play?
Kent says ‘See better Lear’ which is ironic as his metaphorical blindness is the reason as to why Lear banishes Kent in the first place, and the reason he is unable to see Kent when he returns in disguise. This idea of blindness here sets up a wider tragedy among those of the ‘old world’ in society, such as Gloucester
What is a key quote by Cordelia to help expose the intent and actions of Goneril and Regan, but also critique the tragic blindness of Lear?
‘I cannot heave my heart into my mouth’, the raw honesty and gruesome imagery promote the extreme ps under which Lear is believing his 2 daughters
What is a key metaphor using a ‘dragon’ and what is the impact of it?
Lear tells Kent to ‘come not between the dragon and his wrath’ which suggests Lear has immense pride and belief in his power, as he refers to himself as a ‘dragon’ and in the third person. However this hubris acts as a key part of tragedy because Lear is reduced in stature
Where does this scene take place?
The scene begins in King Lear’s Palace and begins in prose dialogue, framing the formal way in which Lear wants to announce his retirement and divide his kingdom
