King Lear Flashcards
” which of you shall we say doth love us most? “ (Lear speaking to his daughters about his love test)
Lear values a flattering public display of love over real love, the noun ‘say’ highlights how it is visible and audible affection that Lear is requesting. The test hints at the insecurity and fear of an old man who needs to be reassured of his own importance.
“But yet thou (Goneril) art my flesh, my blood, my daughter - or rather a disease that’s in my flesh, which I must needs call mine. Thou art a boil, a plague-sore or embossed carbuncle”
Shakespeare’s use of extended metaphor conveys his complete rejection of Goneril after he has had time to brood on how she banishes him for her home. This pestilent imagery illustrates his detestation of his daughter. (LACK of filial love)
” I cannot heave my heart into my mouth. I love your majesty according to my bond; no more nor less”
Cordelia is offering her father a truthful evaluation of her love for him, the verb ‘heave’ suggests difficulty and effort, implying that Cordelia is physically unable to state her love for her father; her integrity prevents her from making a false declaration in order to gain his wealth. The fact that Cordelia refuses to flatter her father/doesn’t know how to, is an immediate reflection of her honesty and true devotion to him. It establishes her virtue and the authenticity of her love.
” no cause, no cause”
Cordelia’s moving response to Lear’s newfound humility (“I am a very foolish, fond old man”) highlights Cordelia’s unconditional love for her father despite the suffering she endured as result of his actions.
“I would unstate myself to be in due resolution”
This not only illustrates how easily Gloucester doubts his sons honesty and how much he trusts Edmund but also how much he love his son, Edgar, as he would hate to loose him. Ironically, this prefigured his actual ‘unstating’ by Cornwall and Regan’s terrible cruelty, punishment for his loyalty to Lear and traditional values of loyalty to family and friends
