Questions on King Lear

King Lear Questions

Read each question carefully to decipher exactly what is being asked. Answer each question fully and completely. Be sure to restate the question and provide evidence (not necessarily a quote) to answer each question. This activity is to help you improve your reading comprehension and writing skills. Please put effort into each and every response. It is also helpful if you write neatly. Points will be deducted for grammatical errors, spelling errors and incomplete responses.

Act I, Scene I

1. In this scene, what do we find out about Edmund’s birth? How do you suppose Edmund feels about his father’s comment on his birth?
In the first scene it is acknowledged that Edmund was born out of wedlock. In Act 1 Scene 1 lines 14-15 Gloucester said, “And had indeed, sir, a son for her cradle ere she had a husband for her bed.” Edmund must feel very unhappy that his father sees him as a bastard Being a bastard Edmund does not enjoy the privileges of status a normal child would have .

2. Find a pun in this scene. The pun in Act 1 Scene 1 can be seen in lines 16 when Gloucester said, “Do you smell a fault?” This is a pun because Gloucester is referring to “fault” as a reference to his affair with Edmund’s mother and the word “fault” is also slang for the female genitals.

3. How and why is Lear dividing his kingdom? On what will he base this division?
Lear is dividing his kingdom in three using a map. In line 39-40 King Lear said, “know that we have in three our kingdom.” King Lear is dividing his kingdom to enjoy peace and rest in his old age so his three daughters do not fight for control of the kingdom once he is dead. In lines 41-42 of Act 1 scene 1 King Lear said, “To shake all cares and business from our age”. King Lear’s decision on who gets his kingdom will be based on which of his daughters proclaim their love for him. Furthermore in lines 53-54 Lear said, “which of you shall we say doth love us most, that we our largest bounty may extend.”

4. What foolish action has Lear taken and what is his plan?
King Lear disowned Cordelia from being his daughter asking Regan and Goneril to share the kingdom. King Lear said to Cordelia, “Here I disclaim all my paternal care propinquity and property of blood.” King Lear relinquished all of his powers to his daughters, Goneril and Reagan and plans to retiring along with 100 of his knights with whom he will live interchangeably with Regan and Goneril each month.

5. What is the literary term that applies when he calls himself a “dragon?”
When King Lear calls himself a “dragon” he is comparing himself to a dragon symbolizing terror and immense power.

6. Why does Kent try to intervene, and how is he punished? What do Lear’s actions imply about the monarch?

Kent tries to intervene by questioning Lear’s decision. Kent is then punished by being banished from the kingdom. In line 177 king Lear said, “And on the sixth day to turn thy hated back.” King Lear actions such as disowning his most beloved daughter Cordelia and banishing his most trusted advisor Kent demonstrates how his ability to reason might have declined due to his old age.

7. Summarize the conversation between Cordelia and her sisters.
Cordelia tells her sisters that she knows they do not love King Lear as much as they professed to get the land. She also says that time will help them their true colors. In line 282-283 she said, “Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides.”

8. In what ways is the motif of appearance and reality depicted in this scene?
Appearance and reality is depicted in Act 1 Scene 1 when King Lear asks his daughters to proclaim how much they love him in exchange for a big portion of the kingdom. Regan and Goneril declare how much they love him showing their appearance. The true reality of Regan and Goneril is shown when they both make fun of him calling him old and senile after King Lear leaves. This contrast with Cordelia who in reality might seem as though she does not love king Lear because she was not excessive in describing her love in reality she loves king Lear very much. Also in appearance King Lear seems powerful because he has the title of king however in reality Regan and Goneril are the true ones with power.

9. In what lines are references made to the theme of sight and the failure to see?
References to sight and failure is seen in line 160-161 when Kent says to King Lear, “See better, Lear” and when King Lear says to Kent “Hence and avoid my sight”. Kent tells King Lear to really see that his beloved daughter loves him not Regan and Goneril who professed their love excessively to Lear.
Act I, Scene II
1. Why does Edmund resent his brother?
Edmund resents Edgar because Edgar is a illegitimate son and has a higher status and perks of being a legitimate son. However Edgar is an illegitimate son and he is not very happy with that because he is constantly looked down on in society as can be seen in In Act 1 Scene 1 when Gloucester called him a fault

2. What does Edmund tell of his plans?
Edmund tells of how he plans to take Edgar’s inheritance and legitimacy by turning Gloucester and Edgar against each other. As of right now it is hard to tell if Edmund is doing this because he is genuinely a bad guy or if he just wants some status an recognition is society.

3. Gloucester’s decrying of Edgar by calling him various types of “villain” could be an allusion to which other Shakespearean play?
Gloucester decrying of Edgar as a villain is an allusion to Shakespeare’s play Othello in which Desdemona father accuses Othello of bewitching Desdemona to fall in love with him.

4. According to Elizabethan beliefs, when nature (i.e., the natural order of the world) is upset, unusual, sometimes horrible, events may occur. In what way does Gloucester relate unusual natural events to human life?
Gloucester relates unusual natural events to human life because when bad things happen in nature it causes strange things to happen. It is not the natural for sons to want to kill their father. In lines 124 Gloucester said, “yet nature finds itself scourged by the sequent effects.”
Act I, Scene III
1. Why is Goneril angry with Lear, and what does she tell Oswald?
Goneril is angry with Lear because King Lear’s knights are out of control and King Lear is very fussy with every detail. In lines 7-8 Goneril says,” His knight grows riotous and himself upbraids us on every trifle”. She tells Oswald to be lazy and neglectful around him. From the conversation with Goneril and Oswald the audience can already tell that Lear staying over his daughters houses might not last long because already Goneril is displeased with Lear and his knights.

2. How does Goneril’s speech reflect the theme that with old age comes foolishness?
Goneril’s speech reflects the theme of how old age brings foolishness because King Lear banished Cordelia that daughter that loved him and gave away his inheritance, title and kingdom to his daughters who did not care much for him. Goneril’s speech also shows the gradual degradation of Lars’s mind by giving away his title as king.

Act I, Scene IV
1. How does Kent’s disguise relate with the theme of appearances and reality?
Kent’s disguise relate with the theme of appearance and reality because a disguise masks reality allowing the person to appear to be someone they are not. Kent disguises his appearance from King Lear and the other people in the court. In lines 2 Kent states,” that cans my speech disguise, my good intent.” Even though Kent is disguising himself for a good intention to help Lear he is still lying.

2. What point does the fool make about Lear’s actions?
The fool makes the point that King Lear has not being doing what he should be doing stating that he let the two daughters are in control and he is dependent on them. In line 177 the fool said, “thou madest thy daughters mothers and putest thy own beech”. The fool is telling King Lear that his daughters, Reagan and Goneril are acting as though they are Lear mothers because he gave them too much power.

3. Explain the fool’s short poem about the cuckoo.
A cuckoo is a bird that lays eggs on other nests and when the bird grows the cuckoo pushes its rivals out of the nest killing them and sometimes the parents as well. This connects to the play because: Lear’s two daughters, Regan and Goneril , are rejecting King Lear who helped nurture them illustrating the unaturality in Lear and his daughters relationship. Cuckoo is also a word used to describe someone who is crazy which describes King Lear who is losing his mind.

4. Lear says, “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is/To have a thankless child!” His comment is one of the most frequently quoted lines in this play. What does it mean?
The quote above explains the pain a parent to have towards an ungrateful child child. A poisonous snake will kill what it bites, but a child without respect is worse because the pain is slow and lasts much longer. Although it does not cause physical pain it causes like a snake bite having a thankless child is painfully emotional to a parent.

5. In your opinion, is Goneril’s complaint about the behavior of Lear and his knights legitimate?
In my opinion Goneril’s complaint is very legitimate because King Lear has 100 knights in her house who are eating, drinking and causing ruckus. King Lear did not help improve matters when he flipped out and slapped Goneril’s servant.
Act I, Scene V
1. Why does the fool call Lear a fool?
The fool calls Lear a fool because Lear made a joke and so King Lear calls him a fool. The fool was talking about how Regan is not going to treat him any better than Goneril will which prompted him to make his joke which Lear understood.

2. What is the purpose of this short scene?
The purpose of the short scene was to show the close relationship between King Lear and the fool. The fool has not being show in the play a lot except recently. This scene shows that the relationship between King Lear and the fool is more than the fool just being a fool illustrating the way the fool serves as a voice of reason for King Lear.

3. Explain how the fool functions in a Shakespearean play. How is this particular fool allowed to take such liberties with the king?
Usually the fool is someone who makes him laugh. This particular fool takes liberty with the king by saying plainly stating out his wrong doing. If any other fool attempted that would be killed but because he is the voice of reason to an insane king the fool has some leeway.
Act II, Scene I
1. Why does Edmund stab himself in the arm?
Edmund stabs himself in the arm to make it look like Edgar stabbed him which is just part of Edmund’s plan to turn Gloucester against Edmund and retrieve control of Gloucester’s land. Edmund stabbing himself in the arm also shows how far Edmund is willing to goal including inflicting pain on himself to achieve his goal. As a character Edmund is appearing more deceiving and conniving going to the lengths of inflicting pain on himself to get what he wants.

2. Why does Edmund describe Edgar’s alleged suggestion as “unnatural”?
Edmund describes Edgar’s suggestion as unnatural because Edmund claims that Edgar is planning patricide. Patricide is killing one’s father which is unnatural because a son trying to kill his father is not natural. In lines 52 Edmund said, “to his unnatural purpose.” Edmund describes patricide as unnatural.
Act II, Scene II
1. What makes this scene humorous? What literary term would apply?
This scene is very humorous because it shows the conflict and difference between Oswald and Kent. The literary term that would apply to of this act is known as comic relief. It is known as comic relief because it is a hilarious scene as opposed to the other scene which are dreadful and manipulative.

2. Describe Kent’s character, and explain how it contrasts with Oswald’s.
Kent is a sharp, quick, witted man whose tongue is sharper than a two edged sword. He is very quick with his word and knows how to insult people quite nicely. Also Kent is not afraid to speak his mind and is willing to fight for his opinion. Oswald contrast with Kent in that Oswald is not as sharp and quick witted as Kent and he is also afraid to speak up for his mind. When Kent challenged him, he could not stand up to Kent.
Act II, Scene III
1. Since he cannot escape the country, what appearance does Edgar assume?
Since Edgar cannot escape the country because Gloucester has closed all the ports, Edgar pretends to be a beggar an insane beggar. In line 8 he said, “I will preserve myself and am bethought to take the beast and purest shape.” Illustrate the theme of appearance verses reality in which Edgar in reality is a noble man but takes the appearance of a beggar.

Act II, Scene IV
1. The fool’s song touches on what motifs? Find a pun directly following the song.
The fool song touches on the motif of appearance verses reality because the fool sings about how those who serve will leave once difficulty comes. In reality they might seem loyal however in appearance they are not. The fool’s song could be referring to Regan and Goneril. The pun is found in line 87 when Lear said , “ They are sick” which refers to King Lear being sick

2. Lear, still calling himself the king, tells Gloucester that he commands his son-in-law and daughter to speak with him, but what excuse does the king then make for them?
Gloucester tells Lear that Regan and Cornwall were sick as a result of having traveled all night. In reality Gloucester is just making this excuse because in Regan and Cornwall do not want to see King Lear as a result of the letter Regan received from Goneril stating how terrible the King Lear stay was.

3. What is the next comment that Lear makes concerning insanity?
Lear makes a comment concerning insanity when he said, “When nature, being oppressed commands the mind to suffer the body. I’ll bear.” Lear comments states that his environment and the way he is being treated not being listened to and ignored is causing him to suffer when in reality it is is bad decisions that is causing his sufferings.

4. What makes the sisters’ actions at the end of this act seem particularly cruel?
The sister’s actions refusing to allow King Lear unto their homes without him reducing his amout of knights to 25 makes King Lear angry and he rides his horse away. The sisters do not care which is very cruel because a storm is coming and ahead and as Gloucester stated there is no refuge for miles.

Act III, Scene I
1. What does Kent say is happening between Cornwall and Albany? What does he say about the King of France?
Kent says there is an ongoing war between Cornwall and Albany whom are both preparing for battle. However in reality the war is really between Regan and Goneril. Kent also says now that the kingdom is divided and the King of France has placed spies and is now preparing to act out against the divided kingdom. With Lear out of the way, greed and desire for power is causing Goneril and Regan to battle for power and Cordelia who is in France wants to stop it.

Act III, Scene II
1. In Lear’s first speech in this scene, how does Shakespeare portray the great emotional upheaval going on within Lear’s mind?
Shakespeare is able to portray the hurt and despair going on in Lear’s mind when in the first line of Act 3 scene 3 Lear said , “Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks. Rage, blow.” In a terrible storm instead of looking and trying shelter Lear instead just stands cursing at the wind and lightning as though that would calm it down. A normal person would not do that. Using these words he screams at lightning instead of taking cover which conveys Lear’s struggle between himself and nature. The storm itself reflects how King Lear feels. The lightning, winds and the storm show how internally Lear is broken down by his daughters betrayal.
2. What comment does the fool make about women?
The fool says that women are whores.

3. Lear says, “I am a man/More sinned against than sinning.” In the context of the play, what does he mean?
In this context when Lear utters this quotes he is saying that his daughters Goneril and Regan have committed sins against him such as taking him out of their houses even after he gave them everything in his kingdom. He is comparing what Regan and Goneril did to him as less than what he did such as banishing Cordelia his favorite daughter and Kent his most trusted advisor. Instead of admitting the wrong he did, he is trying to justify himself in order to look less guilty.

Act III, Scene III
1. Gloucester tells Edmund about the “dangerous” letter and exits. What information does Edmund then share with the audience?
As Gloucester tells Edmund about the dangerous letter Edmund immediately said , “This courtesy forbid thee shall the Duke instantly know and of that letter too.” Edmund will tell the Duke of Cornwall about the letter and about Gloucester going to help the king. This further shows the cunning and devious side of Edmund who wants to diminish his status as a bastard and acquire Gloucester’s land. Getting rid of not only Edmund but the Earl of Gloucester is a good way of accomplishing his goal.
Act III, Scene IV
1. What two metaphoric comparisons does Lear use?
The two metaphoric comparisons Lear uses is when he said, “the tempest in my mind doth from my sense taking all feeling else.” He also said, “ poor naked wretches whatsoever you are that hide the pelting of this pitiless storm.”
2. Find an instance of alliteration in something Edgar says.
Edgar uses alliteration when he said, “ when the foul fiend hath led through fire and through ford and whirlpool.”
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Act III, Scene V
1. As Edmund speaks of loyalty, to whom is he being loyal?
As Edmund speaks of loyalty he is only speaking of loyalty to himself. Being loyal to Cornwell is just an act and an attempt at getting what he wants. This goes with the motif of appearance verses reality because in appearance Edmund seems loyal to Kent however the reality is he is just being loyal to himself.
Act III, Scene VI
1. Edgar, who has been feigning madness, makes a sober aside regarding Lear. What is his meaning?
Edgar makes a statement regarding Lear stating that looking and seeing the way other people are going through misery makes his own misery seems miniscule. For example Edgar realizes that his running away from his father looks like nothing compared to Lear who has lost everything and is left outside in a terrible storm.
2. What is a soliloquy? After everyone leaves the stage, what is Edgar’s conclusion?
A soliloquy is a speech spoken by a character alone on the stage which enables the audience to understand the mind of the character. Edgar comes to the conclusion that it is better to reconcile .
Act III, Scene VII
1. One of the motifs of King Lear is that of sight. Find the ironic statement Goneril makes when first asked how much she loves Lear, and compare that to what she says about Gloucester in this scene.
When asked how much she loved Lear Goneril said, “Dearer than eyesight, space and liberty.” While speaking to Gloucester she said , “pluck out his eyes.” Which is ironic because although she claims to love her father more than sight but turns around and plucks Gloucester eyes.

2. What ironic foreshadowing does Gloucester use as an answer to Regan’s question, “Wherefore to Dover?”
The ironic foreshadow of Gloucester to Regan’s question is when he said , “Because I would not see thy cruel nails pluck out his poor old eyes.” This is a foreshadow because in the end he gets his own eyes plucked out.

Act IV, Scene I
1. Explain what Edgar means when he says, “The worst is not/So long as we can say ‘This is the worst.’ ”
When Edgar says the quote he is a little scared because pretending to be a poor beggar he met his father and he was stressed that he would be found out. Already Edgar s thinking of the worst possible thing that could happen if he was found out before realizing that the worst that he is imagining is not the worst that could happen. This is actually a famous saying because when things happen in real life it never as bad as we imagine it would be.
2. How does Gloucester return to the theme of blindness and lack of vision?
Gloucester return to the theme of blindness and lack of vision when Gloucester said “ tis the times plague when madmen lead the blind.” Edgar who is pretending to be poor Tom Is leading Gloucester whose eyes have been plucked out.
3. What sentiment about fate and the gods does Gloucester express?
Gloucester says the gods decides fates not humans. In doing this Gloucester is leaving everything up to fate.
4. What can you infer from Gloucester’s last comments? How do his comments amplify the theme of fate and mankind?
From Gloucester last comment he seems like he is ready to take fate into his house when he talks about committing suicide.

Act IV, Scene II
1. What news does the messenger bring, and how is this news received by Albany and by Goneril?
The messenger brings news that the Duke of Cornwall is dead trying to kill Gloucester. Albany is overjoyed with the news because he said, “this shows you are above you justices.” Goneril is also happy to hear the news because she said, “one way I like this well.” With Cornwall dead Albany might be able to gain full control of the kingdom unless Regan can find a mate quickly.
2. What further news does the messenger give Albany regarding Edmund? What vow does Albany make?
The messenger tells Albany that Edmund denounced his father and left him with his eyes taken out. Albany vows to revenge Gloucester’s death. In line 96 he said, ”and to revenge thine eyes.” This shows that there is still some form of loyalty being between Albany and Gloucester.

Act IV, Scene III
1. What conclusion does Kent draw about life and living?
Kent draws the conclusion that fate is what makes us who we are because he said, “the stars above us govern our condition.” He says this because Cordelia is very nice and caring unlike Regan and Goneril whose greed made them care less about their father.
Act IV, Scene IV
1. Why do you suppose Shakespeare has the King of France return home and leave Cordelia as the major force opposing her sisters?
Shakespeare has the king of France return home because he wants Cordelia to handle the family issues proving that the king of France intention for marrying her were pure. If he had stayed put, it would be suspicious because it would seem as though he was there to try to get his hands on England.
Act IV, Scene V
1. Why does Regan think it necessary for Edmund to seek out and kill Gloucester?
Regan think it is necessary to kill Gloucester because wherever Gloucester’s goes he is saying things about Regan and Cornwall that makes the citizens of the kingdom turn against them. In line 10 Regan said, “ to let him live. Where he arrives he moves all hearts against us.”

3. Why does Regan try to detain Oswald?
Regan tries to detain Oswald by threatening him.
Act IV, Scene VI
1. Lear, mad but speaking some sense, rages against womankind; he says that Gloucester’s bastard son treats his father better than his two daughters treat him. Gloucester recognizes Lear’s voice; what observation does the blind Gloucester then make?
Gloucester makes the observation that Lear is not stable in mind and his bad actions is what is leading him to his unfortune.

2. Shakespeare continues the imagery of vision and blindness. List some instances of this motif from this scene.
“I remember thine eye well.” Lear
“That eyeless head of thine.” Oswald
“Look with thine ears.” Lear

3. What literary term is used when Lear says, “Look with thine ears”?
When Lear said, “look with thine eye.” He is using a literary device known as synesthesia in which Lear is switching the different senses to create a more touching and inspiring impact.

4. Why does Edgar observe, “O, matter and impertinency mix’d! Just a spare reason in madness”?
Edgar says that because he hopes that his father will be all right. He wants his dad to be well and for Lear to not be as crazy as he is. He wants Lear to see some reason despite being insane.
Act IV, Scene VII
1. Find a simile in what Lear says. Explain the two items that are being compared. Why is this an effective literary device to use?
In line 44-45 Lear said, “ Thou art a soul in bliss but I am bound upon a wheel of fire.” King Lear is comparing Cordelia’s goodness to his own sins. This device is very effective because it enables the readers to understand that King Lear has finally reached his catharsis in which he realizes his wrongdoing.

2. What is the substance of Lear’s apologetic speech to Cordelia? What is her reply?
While Lear is apologizing to Cordelia he attributes it to his madness. She replies by forgiving him.

Act V, Scene I
1. Edmund asks an officer to determine if the Duke of Albany is still with them since “he’s full of alteration/And self-reproving.” Why do you suppose Albany stays on the side of three people (Edmund, Regan, and Goneril) he despises?
Albany stays with corrupt people because France is invading England and Albany is sticking with his country England. Albany as a character contrasts with Regan, Edmund and Goneril who have bad ulterior motive but Albany ulterior motive is protecting his country.

2. How does the audience see that both sisters are in love with Edmund and jealous of each other? Does this situation tell you anything about these women?
The audience can tell that both sisters are in love with Edmund because in Act 5 Scene 1 lines 55-56 he said, “To both sisters have I sworn my love. Each jealous of the other.” Goneril says she rather lose the battle than Edgar and Regan tells Edmund not to be familiar with Goneril. This scontrast their love for Edgar as opposed to their love for the country.

Act V, Scene II
1. Edgar, after leading his father to a safe place, leaves for a short time. When he returns, what information does he relay?
Edgar tells Gloucester that King Lear and Cordelia were captured by Goneril, Regan and Edmund and Albany meaning the French forces have lost.
Act V, Scene III
1. Albany enters and, after a brief exchange, reprimands Edmund. How does he do this and why?
Albany reprimands Edmund when he said in lines 60-62 , “Sir by your patience, I hold you but a subject of this war not as a brother.” Albany saying this meant that Albany still does not consider Edmund as an equal. He does this because he read the letter which Edgar gave o him from Goneril to Edmund stating Regan wants to marry Edmund.

2. How does Regan stand up for Edmund?
Regan stands up for Edmund by saying Edmund stood in her place so he os Albany equal. Regan has powers and she wants Edmund to be with her. She considers Edmund to be equal in rank to Albany.

3. What prompts Edmund to say to Edgar, “Thou hast spoken right, ’tis true;/The wheel is come full circle”? What about Edgar’s speech to Edmund strikes you as odd?
Edgar says that the gods have punished him for his evil deeds. Edmund acknowledges that his wheel of fortune has made a complete circle. He started out at the bottom rose to the top and while dying fell back to the bottom. Edgar faults himself for his father losing his eyes when said, “the dark and vicious place where got.”

4. Albany says that he loves both Edgar and Gloucester, and Edmund acknowledges this loyalty. What news does Edgar then give Albany and the audience? How is it ironic?
Edgar tells Albany that his father’s heart has given out and that Gloucester has died. Which is ironic because Albany previously said, “sorrow[split] my heart.”

5. What is suggested by this ending?
The ending suggests that now that the protagonist are all gone peace an reign in England.