Scene 1
True or False: King Lear divides his kingdom equally among his three daughters.
False: He ends up dividing his kingdom into 2 for Goneril and Regan.
Who is Edmund, and what is his plan?
He is Gloucester’s illegitimate son who plots to ruin his brother Edgar’s reputation.
True or False: Oswald is a servant who is loyal to Lear and helps him.
False: Oswald is loyal to Goneril and does what she asks, including insulting Lear
How does Kent return to Lear’s service?
Kent disguises himself and offers his services to Lear
True or False: Regan is the only daughter who remains loyal to Lear.
False: Regan wanted to gain Lear's power just like Goneril
True or False: The Duke of Burgundy agrees to marry Cordelia even after she loses her dowry.
False: He says he cannot marry her because she has no dowry.
What does Edmund hope to gain by deceiving his father and brother?
He wants to take Edgar’s place as Gloucester’s heir
Why is Goneril frustrated with King Lear’s behavior?
Goneril is frustrated with King Lear’s behavior because he and his knights are being loud, disruptive, and disorderly in her household. She also believes he is too demanding and refuses to behave appropriately.
What does the Fool say about Lear’s decision to give up his kingdom?
The Fool mocks Lear, saying he has acted foolishly by giving up his power.
True or False: By the end of Act 1, Lear begins to realize that Goneril and Regan may not be as loving as they claimed.
True
What does Lear mean when he says to Cordelia, “Come on, ‘nothing’ will get you nothing. Try again”?
He is warning Cordelia that if she refuses to flatter him, she will receive no inheritance.
How does Edmund trick Gloucester into believing Edgar is plotting against him?
He writes a letter, pretending it was one his brother wrote talking about how he cannot wait for his father to die/he wants to kill him so he can inherit his title and land.
What does Goneril mean when she says, “That useless old man still thinks he can wield all the powers he’s given away. I swear, old fools become like babies again”?
She is frustrated that Lear still acts like a king even though he has given up his authority.
What does Lear do when Goneril complains about his knights?
He curses Goneril and decides to leave her home.
What does the Fool continue to say about Lear’s actions?
The Fool continues to mock Lear for giving up his kingdom, suggesting that he has made a terrible mistake.
What is Kent’s reaction to Lear’s decision, and what happens to him?
Kent tells Lear he is making a mistake by banishing Cordelia and in turn, Lear decides to banish Kent.
How does Edgar react when Edmund warns him that Gloucester is angry?
Edgar is confused and unsure why his father would be upset.
How does she instruct her servants to treat Lear?
She orders them to be disrespectful toward Lear to provoke him.
What does Lear mean when he says, “Who is it that can tell me who I am?” (Act 1, Scene 4)?
He is asking for reassurance that he is still the king, despite giving up his power.
By the end of Act 1, how does Lear feel about his decision to divide the kingdom?
He begins to regret giving power to Goneril and Regan.
How does the Duke of Burgundy and the King of France react to Cordelia’s loss of inheritance?
Burgundy asks the King to reconsider giving Cordelia a dowry and refuses to marry her without one.
King of France does not care that Cordelia doesn't have a dowry and decides that he will marry her anyway because he sees her value.
Why does Edgar believe Edmund’s warning?
Edmund convinces Edgar that Gloucester is furious and that he must flee to avoid punishment.
What does Goneril hope to achieve by mistreating Lear?
Goneril wants to push Lear away so she can fully control her portion of the kingdom without interference and so that he will leave her house.
What decision does Lear make at the end of the scene?
Lear decides to leave for Regan’s house, believing she will treat him better.
What does the Fool predict about Lear’s future?
The Fool suggests that Lear will continue to suffer for his poor choices.