King Lear

Question 1

The symbolism of the storm in Act 3?

Answer 1

• reflection of Lear’s psychological state.
• storm parallels Britain’s fall into political chaos
• a dramatic demonstration of the fact that all humans, even kings, are completely vulnerable to overpowering forces like nature.

Question 2

Susan Bruce criticism of Lear’s actions

Answer 2

Lear’s actions are a catalyst, not a cause because this world faces inevitable destruction outside an individuals control

Question 3

Dollimore criticism

Answer 3

‘a play about power, property, and inheritance’.

Question 4

Lear

Answer 4

King of Britain

Question 5

Regan

Answer 5

Daughter, wife of Cornwall

Question 6

Gonerill

Answer 6

Daughter, wife of Albany

Question 7

Cordelia

Answer 7

Daughter, leaves to marry King of France

Question 8

England and France

Answer 8

Ancient enemies

Question 9

Who is on the throne at the time of the play?

Answer 9

James I

Question 10

Did people like James I?

Answer 10

No - Joins Scotland and England

Question 11

Edmund

Answer 11

Earl of Gloucester’s bastard son - planning to gain his brother Edgar’s lands by disinheriting him Convinces Edgar to run away.

Question 12

Lear symbolism

Answer 12

He symbolises James I - arguably a warning to the king about flattery and dividing the nation

Question 13

1660

Answer 13

Charles II comes to the throne

Question 14

1605

Answer 14

Guy Fawkes

Question 15

Kent

Answer 15

Advisor to Lear, sticks up for Cordelia

Question 16

Edgar

Answer 16

Disguises himself as a beggar to get away

Question 17

Edmund’s soliloquy - importance

Answer 17

Emphasises his importance, shows how we should have a connection to his character

Question 18

Edgar as king

Answer 18

dangerous as he is easily fooled, Edmund would be better

Question 19

Machiavellian character

Answer 19

Will do anything to get what you want - cunning, scheming

Question 20

Oswald

Answer 20

Steward, Quarrels with a disguised Kent

Question 21

Cordelia to Lear

Answer 21

Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave
My heart into my mouth. I love your majesty
According to my bond; no more nor less.

Question 22

Edmunds soliloquy

Answer 22

Now, gods, stand up for bastards!

Question 23

Lear because of his daughters

Answer 23

I shall go mad!

Question 24

Gloucester on the heath after being blinded

Answer 24

They kill us for their sport.

Question 25

Lear - what he calls himself

Answer 25

“poor, infirm, weak, and despis’d old man”

Question 26

Quotes about justice

Answer 26

“they kill us for their sport” - Gloucester

“the Gods are just! - Edgar

“Make it your cause. Send down, and take my part.” - Lear

“Expose thyself to feel what wretches feel” - Lear

Question 27

Quotes about power

Answer 27

“Know that we have divided, In three our kingdom” - Lear

“while we Unburdened crawl toward death” - Lear

Question 28

Quotes about gender

Answer 28

“Into her womb convey sterility.” - Lear

” I am ashamed, That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus” - Lear

“milky gentleness,” - Goneril

Question 29

Jan Kott (Bonds)

Answer 29

‘All bonds, all laws, whether divine, natural or human, are broken’

Question 30

Gillian Woods (Breakdown)

Answer 30

‘King Lear stages a total breakdown in civilisation’

Question 31

Julian Walker (Redemption)

Answer 31

‘Shakespeare offers us a story without redemption’