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.