act 1
What themes are introduced in Act 1 of King Lear?
Authority and Power
Blindness and Insight
Family and Betrayal
Flattery vs. Honesty
Why does Edgar disguise himself as "Poor Tom"?
Edgar disguises himself as "Poor Tom," a mad beggar, to avoid being captured and killed after Edmund’s deception causes Gloucester to turn against him.
What role does Gloucester play in Act 3, and how does his situation parallel Lear’s?
Gloucester’s situation parallels Lear’s as both characters experience betrayal and suffering.
How do Lear's wild ravings help to develop the theme of justice and injustice?
He talks about hypocrisy and complains about the lack of true order in the world.
How does Edmund plot against his brother Edgar and his father Gloucester?
forging a letter that suggests Edgar is plotting to kill their father
How does Edmund manipulate the situation to his advantage in Act 2?
This deceit turns Gloucester against Edgar, solidifying Edmund's rise in status and favour.
What is the dramatic impact of Gloucester’s blinding in Act 3?
This loss of sight allows him to gain insight into his past mistakes and the true nature of his sons.
where is goneril?
spending her time with Edmu
What is Cordelia’s response to Lear’s demand for a declaration of love, and what are the consequences?
he loves Lear "according to [her] bond; no more, nor less."
What is the role of the Fool in Act 2, and how does he contribute to the development of King Lear’s character?
the Fool is a critical commentator on Lear’s decisions, using wit and irony to highlight the king's mistakes and the consequences of his actions.
what does it mean when Regan plucks Glousters beard?
is meant as an insult
wheres cordelia ?
waiting in dover
What is the significance of King Lear's decision to divide his kingdom?
This act marks the beginning of Lear's journey from power to powerlessness, from sanity to madness, and from blindness to insight.
What does the storm symbolize in Act 2?
The storm that begins to brew at the end of Act 2 symbolizes the turmoil and chaos in Lear’s mind as well as the political and familial disorder in the kingdom.
How does Lear’s interaction with Poor Tom (Edgar) in Act 3 reveal his state of mind?
This interaction highlights Lear’s empathy and increasing sense of kinship with those suffering, illustrating his descent into madness.
what dose Edgar do in scene 6 ?
stops acting as poor tom
What role does the Fool play in Act 1?
The Fool does not appear in Act 1, but he is mentioned as a character who will later serve as Lear’s conscience and truth-teller.
What is the significance of the confrontation between Kent and Oswald in Act 2?
The confrontation is significant because it demonstrates Kent's unwavering loyalty to Lear, even when it puts him in danger.
What role does the subplot involving the French army play in Act 3?
The French army, led by Cordelia, is preparing to invade England to restore order and support Lear.
why was King Lear scared of Cordelia when he woke up?
he was scared she would take revenge and kill him