Lear extract question key points by scene (Act 1)

Question 1

Act 1 Scene 1

Answer 1

Why is act one important?:
Introduces majority of the characters, introduces main plot line
Sets up subplot (Gloucester talking about Edmund and Edgar)
Establishes the idea of nothing, which is an important theme throughout the play
Introduces Lear’s idea of retiring
Introduces Lear’s morals of measuring love against other people’s- treats everything like a competition or a transaction

Question 2

Key quotes (Act 1 Scene 1)

Answer 2

Setting of “King Lear’s palace”- high up place, shows the tragic fall throughout the play of Lear losing his power
“Diversion of the kingdom”- introduces Lear’s idea of giving up his power, which is the start of the conflict of the play