king lear quotes Flashcards
What does Cordelia say in act 1, scene 1?
“What shall Cordelia speak? Love, and be silent”
What does Cordelia’s quote in act 1, scene 1 tell us?
Cordelia understand that she can’t match the declarations of love by G+R + refuses to indulge in Lear’s test
What is the analysis of Cordelia’s act 1, scene 1 quote?
Cordelia believes that love doesn’t require elaborate language
What does the Fool say in act 1, scene 4?
“I am better than thou art now. I am a fool, thou art nothing”
What is the interpretation of the Fools quote in act 1, scene 4?
Lear’s lost his place in social order + his identity - w/o the throne + his family he is “nothing”
What’s the analysis of the Fools quote in act 1, scene 4?
The Fool sets up for a joke but instead describes Lear’s situation
What does Lear say in act 1, scene 5?
“Oh, let me not be mad”
What is the interpretation of Lear’s quote in act 1, scene 5?
Lear reflects on how he’s sabotaged his own happiness + begins to fear madness
What is the analysis of Lear’s quote in act 1, scene 5?
Psychological reality to the characters - pleading + desperation
What does Kent say in act 2, scene 2?
“Nothing almost sees miracles but misery”
What is the interpretation of Kent’s quote in act 2, scene 2?
Kent sits in the stocks as punishment for his abuse of Oswald
What is the analysis of Kent’s quote in act 2, scene 2
Lear + Edgar live outside social order ‘nothing’
What does Regan say in act 2, scene 4?
“I pray you, father, being weak, seem so”
What is the interpretation of Regan’s quote in act 2, scene 4?
Regan pressures Lear into giving up his 100 knights asserting her own higher status + power
What’s the analysis of Regan’s quote in act 2, scene 4?
Regan shows politeness but barely disguises her ruthless treatment of Lear
What does Lear say in act 2, scene 4?
“I abjure all roofs, and choose to wage against the enmity o’ the air”
What is the interpretation of Lear’s quote in act 2, scene 4?
Instead of lowering himself within society, he threatens to leave it all together
What is the analysis of Lear’s quote in act 2, scene 4?
‘Air’ - total exposure to natural world + pre-christian Gods
Escape is an abdication of his place in society but also a form on transcendence
What does Lear say about flesh + blood in act 2, scene 4?
“Thou art my flesh, my blood, my daughter; or rather a disease that’s in my flesh; which I must call mine”
What’s the interpretation of Lear’s quote in act 2, scene 4 about flesh + blood?
Lear’s conflicting emotions - he used to view Goneril + Regan daughters but now they’re just part of him
What is the analysis of Lear’s quote in act 2, scene 4 about flesh + blood?
“My” + “Mine” is ref to betrayal
Recognition - he now realises how his daughters really see him
“Flesh” - emphasises depth of betrayal
What does the gentleman say in act 3 scene 1 about Lear?
“Contending w the fretful elements; bids the wind blow the earth into the sea”
What is the interpretation of the Gentleman’s quote in act 3, scene 1?
We get a report of Lear’s behaviour; he’s roaming around in the storm
What is the analysis of the Gentleman’s quote in act 3, scene 1?
Lear’s ‘contending’ with the elements which shows his view of his power
‘Fretful’ - rough weather
What is the quote from Lear in act 3, scene 2?
“Rumble thy bellyful! Spit fire! Spout rain! Nor rain, wind, thunder, fire are my daughters”
What is the interpretation of Lear’s quote in act 3, scene 2?
He wanders the heath in bad weather + subjects himself to nature of the universe