Act 1, Scene 1 Flashcards
What quote shows Lear’s inconsistency and what does it suggest?
‘Which of you shall we say doth love us most, that we our largest bounty may extend’ - this is of tragic significance as Lear has already split his kingdom yet is now changing his plans. This allows his daughters to lie to him and the fact his trust is inconsistent foreshadows further conflict later
What quote by Cordelia shows her true honesty and what is its impact?
‘I cannot heave my heart into my mouth’ - this horrific imagery shows how powerful her honesty is as it introduces Lear’s tragic blindness which is a key aspect of tragedy throughout the play
What quote shows Lear to be feckless?
‘The name, and all th’addition to a king’
What quote by Kent emphasises Lear’s tragic blindness?
‘See better Lear’ - this metaphorical blindness that Kent tells Lear he has sets up the idea of this being a key part throughout as it has already been mentioned previously
What quote by France suggests that he will make Cordelia Queen of France and how is this of tragic significance?
‘Is queen of us, of ours and our fair France’ - stark contrast to Lear saying ‘nothing will come of nothing’ as France love’s Cordelia although she has been reduced
What quote by Cordelia helps create sympathy with her and alludes to Lear’s tragic blindness?
‘To your professed bosoms I commit him’ - the sibilance here creates sympathy as her language appears quite emotive, showing that she had true love for Lear
What quote shows Goneril express her love for Lear and what is its significance?
‘Dearer than eyesight, space and liberty’ - use of hyperbolic and comparative language seems like false love
What is a key quote from Lear to Kent and what is the dramatic effect?
“Come not between the dragon and his wrath’ - this metaphor and hyperbole suggest the extent of Lear’s own power and pride. The imperative of ‘come’ reveals his demanding tone (desire) and he comes across as egotistical because he is speaking in the 3rd person
What quote tells us that Lear has disowned Cordelia and how is it significant?
‘I disclaim all of my paternal care, propinquity and property of blood’ - the unvoiced plosive shows Lear’s feelings of disgust at Cordelia’s unwillingness to cooperate with his desired superficial of love - he has lost sense of emotion.
What is a key quote to show Lear being feckless and why is this of tragic significance?
‘The name, and all th’addition to a king’ - wants the title without any responsibility, this idea of him giving away all responsibility plays a key role in his loss of identity
What is a key quote by Cordelia in which she criticises her sisters but comparing herself to them?
‘I want that glib and oily art’ - ‘want’ meaning she lacks their traits of deceit and she instead idealises herself as a woman of action and not words
What key quote by Cordelia shows her love for Lear despite him previously banishing her and why is this of significance?
‘I would prefer him to a better place’ - this contrasts her being a ‘cold’ character who doesn’t love Lear and emphasises the issues surrounding Lear because he couldn’t see her love (metaphorical blindness)
