KING LEAR Flashcards
In Scene 2, Edmund defies “custom” and claims to speak for “nature.” What does he mean by that?
Edmund defies the “custom” of primogeniture, which is the practice of giving inheritance rights to the firstborn son. As the illegitimate son of the Earl of Gloucester, Edmund is not entitled to inherit his father’s title and property, and he is frustrated by this injustice. In order to gain his father’s favor and advance his own interests, Edmund plots against his legitimate brother, Edgar, and claims that he is speaking for “nature” rather than for custom. He argues that it is natural and fair for the most capable and deserving person to inherit their father’s estate, rather than the firstborn son who may not be worthy or capable. In this way, Edmund is challenging the authority of custom and is advocating for a more rational and just system of inheritance. However, it should be noted that Edmund’s claim to speak for “nature” is not entirely sincere, as he is motivated by his own ambition and desire for power. Therefore, while his appeal to “nature” may seem persuasive and justified, it is ultimately a manipulative and dishonest tactic.
Throughout the play, Kent speaks for “plainness”: honesty and openness. Yet he goes around in disguise, and manipulates people on behalf of the King. Is Kent a hypocrite? Why/why not?
Kent is known for speaking for “plainness,” which means honesty and openness. He is a loyal and honorable servant of King Lear, and he is committed to speaking the truth and acting with integrity. However, despite his commitment to plainness, Kent also goes around in disguise and manipulates people on behalf of the King. The answer would be a mix between yes and no. Kent’s actions could be seen as hypocritical, as he is professing a commitment to honesty and openness while engaging in deceitful behavior. By going around in disguise, he is hiding his true identity and acting in a way that is not transparent or straightforward. However, Kent’s actions could also be seen as justified and necessary, given the circumstances of the play. He goes into disguise in order to protect the King and to serve him more effectively, and he manipulates people in order to achieve a greater good
In what sense does Shakespeare try to force his audience–us–to “comply”?
Shakespeare in his way is determined to make us comply, inforce a tragedy experience on us he wants to make us comply and have a genuine experience with tragedy. It is worth noting that Shakespeare’s plays often deal with important and controversial issues, and they can challenge his audience’s assumptions and beliefs. For example, his plays often explore themes of power and corruption, love and betrayal, and justice and injustice, and they present a range of characters who embody different attitudes and values. By presenting these themes and characters, Shakespeare may encourage his audience to think more deeply about their own beliefs and values
In Scene 1 of King Lear, Cordelia refuses to comply. Was she right to do so? Why/why not?
Whether Cordelia was right to refuse to comply with her father’s request is a matter of debate. On one hand, her refusal could be seen as an act of disobedience and disrespect, as she is refusing to do as her father asks and is speaking to him in a manner that is not fitting for a daughter.On the other hand, Cordelia’s refusal could also be seen as a moral and ethical decision, as she is choosing to speak the truth and to act with integrity. By refusing to flatter and deceive her father, she is showing that she values honesty and authenticity above the desire to please him
