Act 4 Sc 7

Question 1

“No sir you must not kneel” Cordelia (4,7)

Answer 1

Lear clearly knelt down too, she’s trying to restore the father daughter relationship by asking him to hold his hand over her, which was a natural father daughter symbol back then.(‘and hold your hands in benediction o’er me!). Lear’s kneeling is indicative of recognition of the fact that he is now just a ‘foolish fond old man” powerless, we see a complete change in humility of lear. The kneeling is also a symbol of begging/pleading for forgiveness.

Question 2

“My child Cordelia” Lear (4,7)

Answer 2

a ‘re-owning’ of Cordelia as his daughter after disowning her in act1, heartwarming, whole reconciliation scene builds hope.

Question 3

“No cause, no cause” Cordelia (4,7)

Answer 3

Cordelia’s forgiveness is so absolute that she doesn’t even mention what he did to her, she just forgives him - as if hes never done anything to hurt her. Completely heartwarming.

Question 4

Do not abuse me” Lear (4,7)

Answer 4

This is in reponse to when kent says ‘your own kingdom’ to Lear he shows a recognition of the lack of power he now has, he can see that this country is no longer his kingdom due to his powerlessness, regardless of his title.

Question 5

I am old and foolish” Lear (4,7)

Answer 5

epetition of the idea of himself as this old and foolish man, vulnerability, evokes sympathy

Question 6

[enter lear in a chair..] SD (4,7)

Answer 6

Real symbol of lear’s vulnerability as lear is brought in asleep, may give us a sense of hope as previously the doctor said that all lear needed was some sleep to be cured.