King Lear Flashcards
Cordelia: “I cannot heave my heart into my mouth.”
ACT 1 SCENE 1
Cordelia refuses to take part in her fathers love test. Her honesty leads to disaster.
Lear: “I lov’d her most, and thought to set my rest on her kind nursery.”
ACT 1 SCENE 1
Lear is distraught at Cordelia for not telling him how much he loves her.
Regan: “And in good time you gave it.”
ACT 2 SCENE 4
Regan’s caustic comment reminds the audience that Lear selfishly held on to power until he was a very old man.
Lear: “Poor Fool and knave.”
ACT 3 SCENE 2
Lear begins to show concern for somebody other than himself. This marks another important stage in his journey towards self-enlightenment.
Gloucester: “As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods. They kill us for their sport.”
ACT 4 SCENE 1
Lear compares humans to insects, mere playthings that a heedless boy might kill just for fun.”
Lear: “If you have poison for me, I will drink it.”
ACT 4 SCENE 7
A contrite Lear acknowledges that he should be punished for his mistreatment of Cordelia.
Lear: “I am old and foolish.”
ACT 4 SCENE 7
Lear has finally acknowledged his true state.
Edmund: “The wheel is come full circle.”
ACT 5 SCENE 3
Edmund ruefully admits that despite all his malicious plans, he is back where he started.
Kent: “Is this the promised end?”
ACT 5 SCENE 3
Kent is horrified at the tragic turn of events. He had hoped to save Lear and Cordelia, and to restore the king to power.
