Lear Flashcards
Quote in Act 1 Scene 1 that foreshadows conflict?
‘Know that we have divided our kingdom in three’ -foreshadowing the conflict his decisions will cause. Jacobean audience would be against this.
Quote in act 3 scene 2 about sins?
‘I am a man more sinned against than sinning’. Lear acting like a victim. Recognises the wrong done against him.
Quote in act 3 scene 2 on sanity?
‘My wits begin to turn’- Lear knows he’s losing his mind. Tragic as once he loses his sanity he is less selfish.
What does Lear being banished from everything show?
Disruption to hierarchy - unnatural for king to have no powers.
How does Lear describe himself in Act 3 scene 2?
‘A poor, infirm, weak and despised old man’.
‘Singe my white head’ - shows his age - vulnerable.
Quote in act 2 scene 2 showing Lear’s isolation?
‘You heavens, give me that patience, patience I need’ - tragic isolation - can’t ask anyone for help.
Act 1 scene 4: Lear disowns Goneril
‘Degenerate bastard’.
Lear’s reaction to Goneril in act 1 scene 4?
‘Into her womb convey sterility’ - Cursing her with sterility or an ungrateful child.
Lear’s first recognition of madness in act 1 scene 5?
‘O let me not be mad, not mad’ - shows he is worried. He’s making the wrong decisions.
How is Lear described as in Act 3 scene 1?
Lear is ‘contending with the fretful elements’ - shows the weakness of Lear’s mental state.
What irony is shown since Lear divided kingdom?
Kent: ‘with mutual cunning, twixt Albany and Cornwall’ - ironic as he divided kingdom to stop future war.
Where do we see Lear changing attitude in Act 3 scene 2?
‘Come on my boy… Art cold?’ - first showing of Lear starting to think of others.
