King Lear questions on Act 2

1) Show the dramatic importance of Curan's reference to the impending war between the Duke of Albany and the Duke of Cornwall.

Curan's reference to the impending war between the Duke of Albany and the Duke of Cornwall serves as a foreshadow of the upcoming feud between Goneril and Regan. It allows the readers to see that these two sides will soon turn against one another.

2) By what trick does Edmund completely convince Gloucester of Edgar's guilt?

Edmund completely convinces Gloucester of Edgar's guilt by pursuading Edgar to draw his sword, then when Edgar leaves, Edmund cuts himself then tells his father that it was Edgar who cut him. Gloucester believes this because Edgar ran away drawing guilt to himself. Thus, Edgar foolishly played into Edmunds hands by listening to his advice.

3) Comment on the part played by Regan in this scene.

Regan further adds to Edgar's guilt by stating that she received a letter from her sister warning of the bad behaviour of her father's knights and that if Edgar was among them, then he must surely have adopted their abominable ways, so he must be guilty. This further confirmed to Gloucester that Edgar was culpable.

4) What do we learn of Cornwall's character and disposition from this scene?

From the first scene of act 2 it can be gathered that Cornwall is a silent character speaking only when necessary and that he is a strict disciplinarian. He was very interested in making sure that Edgar was being pursued and ensured that if he were caught ' he shall never more be fear'd of doing harm.' This is also the first sign of Cornwalls' cold-bloodedness when exacting justice.

Dramatic significance of fool in King Lear

The fool in King Lear is significant in that he is the voice of truth and reason. He is the only one who can speak openly and honestly to Lear, though Lear thinks that everything he says is a joke and does not take him seriously. The fool demonstrates to Lear the truths about the people around him and tries to warn him about their treachery. This is seen in act1 scene 4 when he tries to pursuade Lear that it was wrong to banish Cordelia as she was the only daughter that truly loved him, and that he made a mistake in dividing his kingdom between Goneril and Regan. The fool warns Lear about his daughters by stating that Lear is now their lap dog. "Truth's a dog must to kennel; he must be whipped out when the Lady Brach may stand by the fire and stink."

Thus, it can be seen that the fool is a very important character as he points out Lear's faults which will later come to haunt him. He provides humour but yet still honesty about the various occurences.

King Lear comparison between video and book: Act 1 scene 1

The King Lear video enhances the plot of the story and show aspects which could not be identified through the play. These include setting, dress, emotions, and body movements. In the video the court setting, type of dress, and speech can be seen, in contrast to the book. This allows viewers to get an understanding of the era, the type of society, and the ways in which people were expected to behave, fostering a deeper understanding of the story.
Also, although the play portrays the entire dialogue, the video provides emotion and movement to the characters. This is seen when Lear stands on the table after being angered, blocks his ears to prevent himself from hearing anything Cordelia has to say, and when the elder sisters exchange shocked looks. All this could not be viewed by reading the play and provides dramatic impact as well as making the play more enjoyable.
Most importantly, the video is more effective at creating characterizations. This is because, through the play the elder sisters' ambitions and eagerness can be viewed. Lear's bad judgement and quick temper can be seen. Also, Cordelia's honesty and bluntness is made evident.

King Lear: Questions on Act 1 scenes 1 and 2

1) What insight are we given into King Lear's character in the opening speeches?

After reading the opening speeches, it is obvious that Lear was an extremely egotistical and irrational man. Even though he knows that his youngest daughter Cordelia would make the best ruler, he decides to divide his kingdom based on flattery. This shows a lack of judgement on his part and makes the reader believe that he has become foolish with age for reacting so harshly to Cordelia. It is also seen that Lear is very gullible because he expected to still maintain his power and influence after giving up the empire to Goneril and Regan.

2) Compare the answers of Goneril and Regan to the King's demand to hear the extent of their love.

Both Goneril and Regan gave satisfying answers to the King, although untruthful ones. Goneril stated that she loved him more than her life, health, or honor. That she loved him more than words can say. Next, Regan claimed to share the same feelings as her sister but to a much larger extent. She says that he is her greatest joy and she values him above all others. Gonreil's gave her speech to satisfy her father's need for praise while Regan's speech was an attempt to outdo her sister.

3) "Be Kent unmannerly when Lear is mad" Is Kent justified when he says Lear is mad?

Kent is justified when he says Lear is mad because Lear foolishly disowns Cordelia for being honest with him and gives his kingdom to the two older daughters. Kent saw through Goneril's and Regan's false claims of love and recognised Cordelia's truthfulness and incorruptness. This realization caused him to be shocked by Lear's poor judgement, which is why he outburst that Lear must be mad.

4) Why do you think Shakespeare has used rhyming lines in Kent's last speech?

Shakespeare used Rhyming lines in Kent's last speech to create dramatic impact. This is because these were the last lines being said by Kent before he exited so the rhyming lines created a sense of excitement, drama, and emotion. It also allowed Kent to leave with a grand exit.

5) Show that the King of France's words to Cordelia are calculated to heal the wounds Lear inflicted.

It can be seen that the King of France's words were calculated to heal Cordelia's wounds by his tender and understanding tone. He first tried to reason with Lear by reminding him that she was his favorite daughter and the object of his praises. Then he tells Cordelia that though poor she is still rich to him because of all the virtues she posses and that he will be lucky to have her as his queen.

6) What is morally the state of affairs within the play at the close of the scene?

At the close of the scene Cordelia and the King of France leave the court without Lear's blessing. Also Goneril and Regan make a plan to take advantage of their father's poor choice.

7) What sort of excuse does Shakespeare let Edmund make for the course of villainy he is about to pursue?

Edmund makes the excuse that he is a bastard and as such, is mistreated in society by being refused the same rights as legitimate children. However, if he were his father's only son then the fortune must go to him thus, this was his excuse for framing Edgar.

8) How does Edmund strengthen his plot by appearing to defend his brother?

Edmund strengthens his plot by appearing to defend his brother because by doing this he appears to be sincere and therefore no one would suspect him as being the mastermind behind the plot.

9) Show how Gloucester's gullibility and Edgar's nobility play into Edmund's hands.

Gloucester's nobility plays into Edmunds hand because he unquestioningly believes that the letter was written by Edgar and he listens to Edmunds advise without investigating the matter himself. Also, Edgar's nobility played into Edmund's hand because he did not ever consider that his own brother could be the one behind the plot and so he follows his brothers suggestion to carry a sword, deepening the suspicion of him.