King Lear Quotes Flashcards
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Questions and Answers

What does Gloucester say about Edmund's conception?

Though this knave came something saucily to the world before he was sent for, yet was his mother fair.

What does Lear plan to do with his kingdom?

Divide it among his three daughters.

What does Cordelia refuse to do in her speech?

Flatter her father.

What does Cordelia want from Lear?

<p>Fatherly love.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Lear mock Cordelia about?

<p>Not flattering him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was Lear's favorite daughter?

<p>Cordelia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Kent highlight to Lear?

<p>The danger of flattery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What penalty does Lear impose on Kent?

<p>Banishment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Lear describe Cordelia to Burgundy?

<p>Unworthy and undesirable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Cordelia say to Lear about losing his love?

<p>She did not commit a crime to lose it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Lear say about Cordelia's existence?

<p>Better thou hadst not been born than not t' have pleas'd me better.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the King of France recognize about Cordelia?

<p>Her virtue.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the King of France say to Burgundy?

<p>Not all the dukes of watery Burgundy can buy this unpriz'd precious maid of me.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Cordelia say about Regan and Goneril?

<p>I know you what you are.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Regan foreshadow about Lear's kingdom?

<p>Upsets and conspiracies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Edmund express about his birth?

<p>He is enraged by being a child born out of wedlock.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Edmund argue about bastards?

<p>They should be celebrated for their fierce passion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters and Their Dynamics

  • Gloucester: Shows a lack of regret regarding the conception of Edmund, indicating themes of illegitimacy and parental acknowledgment.
  • Lear: His decision to divide the kingdom based on flattery reveals his vanity and leads to familial conflict.
  • Cordelia: Represents integrity and loyalty, as she refuses to engage in deceitful flattery despite her father's expectations.

Major Themes and Motifs

  • Flattery vs. Honesty: Lear's preference for flattery leads to detrimental choices, contrasting with Cordelia's sincerity.
  • Illegitimacy and Identity: Edmund's struggle against societal norms attached to his birth raises questions about legitimacy and worth.
  • Power and Betrayal: Lear's banishment of loyal subjects like Kent showcases the fragility of power and the danger of misplaced trust.

Important Quotes and Their Significance

  • "Though this knave came something saucily...": Highlights Gloucester's acceptance of Edmund's birth, setting the stage for Edmund's ambitions.
  • "We have divided / In three our kingdom...": Introduces Lear's flawed decision-making, echoing larger political themes.
  • "Love, / and be silent.": Cordelia's refusal to flatter indicates her depth of character and foreshadows future conflict.
  • "Let it be so: thy truth then be thy dow'r!": Lear's mocking dismissal of Cordelia emphasizes his irrationality and emotional instability.

Character Insights

  • Cordelia: Her integrity paves the way for tragedy, reflecting on the harsh realities of love and parental expectations.
  • Regan and Goneril: Their ambition and lack of morality signal a shift in power dynamics, suggesting future treachery.
  • Edmund: His soliloquies reveal his resentment toward societal constraints and foreshadow his manipulative nature.

Foreshadowing and Conflict

  • "Such unconstant starts are we like to have...": Regan's insight into Lear's unpredictable behavior hints at chaos within the kingdom.
  • "Not all the dukes of wat'rish Burgundy...": The King of France recognizes Cordelia's intrinsic worth, contrasting with Lear's materialistic values.

Conclusion

  • The interplay of flattery, identity, and betrayal in these quotes captures the complex dynamics at play in King Lear, foreshadowing the tragedy that ensues from the characters' choices and relationships.

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Description

Explore key quotes from Shakespeare's 'King Lear' through engaging flashcards. Each card features significant lines that reveal character motivations and themes within the play. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of this classic tragedy.

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