Act 3 Sc 7 Flashcards
“Without the form of justice” Cornwall (3,7)
Links to Kent being in the stocks. They’re treating Gloucester like a petty criminal as they did to Kent, they are going to punish him even though Cornwall knows he has the power to because he can. Abuse of power from cornwall. Disruption of justice.We see this directly after act 3.6 where we see this mock trial that Lear created, highlights the idea that this is a world in which there is really no reasonable form of justice.
“I would not see thy cruel nails pluck out his poor old eyes’ Gloucester (3,7)
as if he’s giving them ideas of what they should do to him next.
Nor thy fierce sister is anointed flesh stick boarish fangs’ Gloucester (3,7)
animalistic language referencing goneril and regan. We begin honouring gloucester more as a character, he’s in this very vulnerable state where he’s being almost ganged up on by cornwall and regan but still speaks up to them about the way they have treated lear
“I shall see the winged vengeance overtake such children” Gloucester (3,7)
tragic statement. Reminds us of Lear’s empty threats before as he really is in a position of no power right now so all he can threaten them with is that a ‘winged’ mythical creature will come and punish them. ‘I shall see” = ironic as he actually won’t be able to see because they’re about to gauge his eyes out. Also shows his reliance on other power because he is so powerless.
“I have served you ever since i was a child” servant 1 (3,7)
Shows this topsy turvy world in which Cornwall’s servant has turned on his own master and they fight.
“(she takes the sword and runs at him behind. Kills him)” Regan (3,7)
dishonourable act to quite literally stab him in the back. As well as this, she is a woman who has actually drawn and used a sword in a violent manner - further transgressing feminine stereotypes.
“O my follies! Then Edgar was abused? Kind gods forgive me that and prosper him” Gloucester (3,7)
Moment of true anagnorisis for gloucester. He takes full responsibility immediately - “my’ not deflecting the blame and immediately thought of Edgar not even on edmund. Irony as its as if only after he is physically blind he becomes metaphorically clear sighted and can see the truth surrounding his sons.
Servants 2+3 end of scene :
“lets follow the old Earl and get the bedlam to lead him where he would’
“Ill fetch some flax and whites of eggs to apply to his bleeding face”
Servants 2+3: at the end of scene leave us feeling as though there is some hope for this world as there are still people willing to help Gloucester and are good people.
