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48 Cards in this Set
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''We shall express our darker purpose''- Lear A1S1 |
Analysis- Use of 'dark' refers to the motif of sight. Has connotations of sinister purpose and foreshadows the consequences of his actions. Also, use of royal 'we' boasts Lear's power. Context- Jacobean audience would been aware of the consequences of splitting a kingdom, therefore can anticipate the outcomes of the play and know that it will not end well. |
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''Give me the map// Tell me my daughters''- Lear A1S1 |
Analysis- Imperatives highlight Lear's power and his confidence in the obeying of his orders (this will not stay the same- irony). Determiner 'my' implies he believes he owns his daughters- they belong to him. Also ironic as his daughters will end up owning him. Therefore, map can be symbolic of the handing over of power/land. Context- Jacobean audience would have been aware and enrolled in the hierarchy of father/daughter/son relationships. Father's were the matriarch of the family, therefore expected and demanded obedience from his children. |
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''Know that we have divided our kingdom in three''- Lear A1S1 |
Analysis- Imperative of 'know' show Lear's forcefulness and confidence in his decisions. Divide is symbolic and foreshadows the conflict his decisions will cause. Collective pronoun of 'we' and determiner 'our' are subtly juxtaposed to create irony; he is dividing his kingdom yet still implying it is unified. Context- Jacobean audience would have been disgusted at Lear's decisions. They believed in the Medieval Theory of Kinship, which valued unity above all else. Lear dividing the kingdom is going directly against his duty. |
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''Which of you shall we say doth love us the most?''- Lear A1S1 |
Analysis- Rhetoric of ''shall we say'' implies competition between the sisters. Sets the tone and foreshadows future events between the two. It also extenuates Lear's ego. Tragic hero conventions- his need for a fulfilled ego causes competition between his daughters and leads to his downfall. Public setting of his questioning exemplifies this. Context- Tragic hero conventions is Lear's need for a fulfilled ego (hubris) which causes competition between his daughters and leads to his downfall. |
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''Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter''- Goneril A1S1 ''Dearer than eye-sight, space, and liberty// valued rich or rare//grace, health, beauty, honour''- Goneril A1S1 |
Analysis- Manner of address 'sir' instantly implies respect. However, hyperbolic way she address him is sycophantic. Makes us question her motives. References to eye-sight are symbolic of her control of Lear's sight- she is blinding him with her flattery. Valued rich or rare is a pun as we don't know if she means emotional or financial wealth. Lexis of grace, health, beauty, intensify hyperbolic nature; as does adjective 'dearer'. |
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Regan A1S1 ''I made of that self metal as my sister// and prize me at her worth''. (LINK) ''self-same colour''- Cornwall A2S2 ''Only she comes too short// I profess myself an enemy to all other joys''. ''I am alone in your felicitate''. |
Analysis- Metaphor of metal suggests hardness to them, which foreshadows their cruelty to Lear. However, also could suggest malleable quality in that they are easily manipulated by money. Worth has dual connotations (pun)- makes us question if she means emotional or financial worth. 'Too short' creates competition between the two sisters. Enemy and joy are hyperbolic and juxtaposed to reflect the contradictions she makes against herself further on in the play (says she loves Lear but ultimately destroys him). Alone mirrors isolation and foreshadows the consequences of Lear's actions. Ironic too as we know in the end it is Cordelia who is truly alone in his felicitate. Context- William Allen, treated very badly by his daughters because they wanted inheritance. |
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''Nothing my lord, I love your majesty according to my bond: no more, no less''- Cordelia A1S1 ''Nothing can be made out of nothing'' ''Nothing will come of nothing''- PARADOX- implies mans power within the world, Lear's lack of insight. |
Analysis- Addressing him in terms of majesty and my lord show respect, yet are not hyperbolic but still show Lear's authority. This reflects her altruistic nature which we can contrast with Goneril and Regan. Bond also connotes something unbreakable, foreshadowing her loyalty to Lear. No more no less is also idiomatic (?) |
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''You have begot me, bred me, lov'd me// I return those duties back as are right fit. Obey you, love you, and most honour you''- Cordelia A1S1 |
Analysis- Tripling in Cordelia's speech simplifies how she regards Lear, furthering her honesty and providing a contrast with Goneril and Regan. Lexis also shows how Lear truly loved Cordelia- showing he is not an entirely bad person. Emotive language. Context- Tragic Hero Conventions (Lear's punishment far outweighs his crimes in regards to Cordelia (punished her yet she was killed). Father's demanding/expecting respect and obedience from their daughters. |
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Lear A1S1 ''By the [...] mysteries of Hecate and the night [...] I disclaim all my paternal love'' ''He that makes his generation messes// shall to my bosom be as well neighbored, pitied, relieved''. |
Analysis- Allusion to Hecate and darkness is symbolic of evil and danger. Ironic as he ensues this upon Cordelia yet it happens to him instead. Also shows his irrational nature and temper; which in turn leads to his downfall. Cannibal references is hyperbolic and further shows Lear's temper. He references sight and darkness which is Shakespeare implying that Lear is himself blind. Lexis of care is ironic and foreshadows the care Cordelia will show Lear. Context- Shakespeare making references to Greek Mythology shows he is aware of ancient Tragedy conventions. Lear is powerful at the beginning and hopeless at the end. |
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Lear A1S1 ''Peace Kent! Come not between the dragon and his wrath''. ''Avoid my sight!// Out of my sight!'' ''Only we shall retain the name and all th'addition to a king''. |
Analysis- Animal imagery of dragon is an emblem of power and shows the arrogance (hubris) of Lear. References to sight enforce the motif of sight. Creates foreboding as audience is aware that Lear is getting rid of all the people with insight who can help him; without them he is left metaphorically blind. 'Th'additon to a king' suggests Lear only enjoys the aesthetic of his power, again showing his pride and arrogance (hubris). |
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Kent A1S1 ''Lear is mad. What would'st thou do, old man?'' ''When power to flattery bows?'' |
Analysis- 'Mad' and 'old man' both connote madness as they suggest senility. Also reinforces Kent's insight, thus making it more ironic and foreshadowing when Lear pushes him away as it shows he is only damaging himself but thinks he's doing the right thing. Personification of power bowing to flattery mirrors Lear's intentions and what he favours as king- he wants the aesthetic, power, and flattery of being a king but not the responsibility- his ego damages him. Kent tries to be blunt like the fool, but fails. |
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Kent A1S1 ''My life I never held as but a pawn// thy safety being motive'' ''See better, Lear''. |
Analysis- Simile shows Kent's loyalty to Lear; he's willing to treat his life as a game in order to protect him. Foreshadows Kent's unwavering loyalty to Lear. Motif of sight reinforced. |
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''A wretch whom nature is ashamed''- Lear A1S1 ''She herself is a dowry''- France A1S1 |
Analysis- Hyperbolic personification exemplifies Lear's temper and irrationality. References to nature are ironic as the events within the play are nothing but natural as far as Jacobean Society are concerned. Metaphor of Cordelia being a dowry implies that Cordelia's true worth lies within her altruism, not her hyperbolic words to her father. Her worth is emotional, not financial (Goneril and Regan). |
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''The jewels of our father, with washed eyes// I know what you are// Love well our father''- Cordelia A1S1 |
Analysis- 'Jewels of our father' imply that Cordelia knows that Goneril and Regan only value Lear financially. Pronoun ''our'' however implies unity and shows she still sees herself as belonging to her father, though she has now been disowned. 'Love well' further shows her altruism- she always has his best interests at heart. |
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''Let us hit together''. - Goneril A1S1 |
Analysis- ''Us'' shows unity between Goneril and Regan and foreshadows their joint plans to destroy Lear (further shown with violent verb 'hit'), and together which suggests Lear is not powerful enough to stop the two of them. ''Let us'' is imperative. |
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Gloucester A1S2 ''Abhorred villain! Unnatural, detested, brutish villain!'' ''Love cools, friendship falls off, brother's divide in cities, mutunies; in countries, discord; in palaces, treason''. |
Analysis- Mirrors what Lear said to Cordelia, shows their disbelief/temper when betrayed by their children who are obliged to obey them. Unnatural reinforces the theme of nature. Repetition of villain is ironic as Edmund is the true villain and Gloucester is blind to this. His speech involving personification is foreshadowing all future events. Suggests that at one point Gloucester had insight, but was blinded metaphorically and physically by Edmund. |
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''My cue is villainous melancholy// these eclipses do portend these divisions''- Edmund A1S2 |
Analysis- Villainous melancholy are contradictory ideas, creating a paradox. 'Cue' implies Edmund is acting and reinforces his duplicitous nature. Also, when he talks of eclipses and divisions it shows he's mocking Gloucester- showing his power and confidence in clouding his sight and manipulating him. Villainous also shows that Edmund is truly evil, as he is aware his actions will cause harm but does it anyway. |
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''Death, dirth, dissolution's of ancient amities; divisions in state; menaces and maledictions against King's''. - Edmund A1S2 |
Analysis- Plosives of 'd' create tension but also suggest that Edmund has rehearsed his speech and used specific words to vocally show danger and vocabulary to evoke it. He also foreshadows what happens further on in the play, showing his insight. It's also ironic as he knows he will cause this- but Gloucester doesn't. Context- Jacobean Society were scared this would happen under the new rule of James 1st. |
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''Put on what weary negligence you please, you and your fellows; I'd have it come to question''- Goneril A1S3 ''That if they come to sojourn at my house, I'll not be there''- Regan A2S1 |
Analysis- Metaphor of putting on negligence shows she wants people to act like Lear has no power- showing she knows he still has it at this moment in time yet wants to destroy it. Put on is imperative, shows her own power. Shows her duplicitous nature and reflects how she has now changed her tone with Lear because she has what she wants. |
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''Truth's a dog must to kennel; he must be whipped out when the Lady's Brach may stand by the fire and stink''- Fool ''All thy other titles thou hast given away; that thou wast born with''- Fool |
Analysis- Uses the metaphor of a dog and a kennel, implying Lear only wants flattery and that is how he's gotten himself into this situation. He wanted a lapdog to constantly inflate his ego. The fool also speaks the truth and provides political insight to Lear yet masking it through comedy. In contrast to Kent, who was abrupt and punished outright for his honesty. The Fool has insight and knows that Lear has given away everything. Born suggests Lear is baby, and hasn't earned his title. Symbolic and alluding towards his future circumstances (losing his mind). Context- Jacobean Society would have been familiar with the consequences division can cause. They feared power and unity in Britain would waver if a Scottish king was to divide the land- as he wasn't from the UK. Society also believed that being a king was a God-given right, something you were born with/chosen for. |
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''I do serve you in this business, a credulous father, and a brother noble, whose nature is so far from doing harms''- Edmund A1S2 |
Analysis- Business implies financial intentions and alterior motives. He uses supplicative language of 'noble' to manipulate Edgar into thinking he's on his side; he is sycophantic. Theme of nature; Edmund is going against nature by betraying his father and brother. Edgar is altruistic and stays true to his nature- as does Gloucester when he finally gains insight. Context- Jacobean society have more insight than Edgar and Gloucester, they know the true nature of Edmund. They also know the importance of loyalty within families. Would have rejected King James because he was Scottish not English. |
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''He flashes into one gross crime or other// his knights grow riotous// I will not speak with him// the fault of it I'll answer''. - Goneril A1S3 ''To have found a safe redress; but now grow fearful''- Goneril A1S4 ''A little to disquantity your train''- Goneril A1S4 |
Analysis- Gross and riotous are hyperbolic, she manipulates language in order to justify her actions and therefore encourage others to do the same. Her refusal to not speak with Lear is contrasted to her sycophantic language at the beginning of the play- showing her duplicity. 'The fault' mirrors 'weary negligence' quote and shows she's determined to assert her authority and claim power. Litotes also show her duplicity as we know as an audience she wants power and wants rid of Lear's entire knights (irony). |
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''The hedge- sparrow fed the cuckoo so long, that it's head it's head bit off by it young''- Fool A1S4 ''The sweet and bitter fool''- Fool A1S4; oxymoron, could be hinted at Lear or the fool as he is hanged. |
Analysis- Animal Imagery/Metaphor is symbolic of the treatment of Lear by Goneril and Regan. Makes the audience question how they have turned into animals after a good upbringing. The fool suggests that Lear has been too good to them, even spoiled them. But this suggests he's been a good person too. |
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''This fellow has banished two on's daughters, and did the third a blessing''- Fool A1S4 ''She herself is a dowry''- France |
Analysis- Fellow has friendly connotations; reminds the audience of his place within the play. However, he still speaks the truth. Blessing is biblically suggestive and implies work of the Gods on Cordelia's side. Context- Jacobean society were Christian, therefore believed in afterlife. Even the poorest of society thought they would be rewarded for their poverty in the afterlife. |
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''Suspend thy purpose// into her womb convey sterility// dry up in her organs of increase''- Lear A1S4 ''To have a thousand with red burning spits come hizzing in upon 'em-'' - Lear A3S5 ''How sharper than a serpents tooth// detested kite!''- Lear A1S4 |
Analysis- Hyperbolic language reflects Lear's irrational nature. He is instantly angry because he has been distracted/ pride is hurt. Irony as he still thinks he has power but makes us empathise. Lexis of reproduction is reflective of the bond Lear had with his daughters. Purpose alludes to the bible as women were supposed to reproduce. Serpent is a biblical reference too and uses animal imagery/ emotive/ dynamic verbs to emphasise his hurt. Kite (bird) suggests that she thinks she's above Lear, and can see more than him. Context- Christian Jacobean society; women were ought to stay at home and look after the children. Lear wants to deny his daughter her purpose, just how they have denied his purpose of power. |
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''Have you hear of no likely wars toward, 'twixt the Dukes of Cornwall and Albany?''- Curan A2S1 |
Analysis- First establishment of conflict (suggested by wars). It's symbolic of division of family unit and wars between siblings, and father son/daughter relationships. |
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''Light, ho! here! // torches!''- Edmund A2S1 ''The revenging God's// to his unnatural purpose''- Edmund A2S1 ''The winged vengeance overtake such children''.- Gloucester A3S7 (winged suggests divine justice) |
Analysis- Light is symbolic of Edmund controlling what other people see. Because he can control light he also controls darkness. Lulls Gloucester into a false sense of security (light) and banishes Edgar leading him into the dark. He is manipulate and evil. References to God shows that Edmund uses language that Gloucester will approve of (divinity, religion etc). Duplicitous nature. Unnatural purpose also connotes religion and suggests that Edmund is really the evil person, as he knows what he does and continues. |
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''and of my land, loyal and natural boy, I'll work the means to make thee capable''. - ''my old heart is cracked, it's cracked'' Gloucester A2S1 |
Analysis- 'Natural' is ironic as Edmund is anything but natural, literally because illegitimate son and also because he's plotting against him. Also emphasises Gloucester's blindness. Reputation of cracked symbolises the division of the family and kingdom. Cracked is an emotive verb and makes us sympathise with Gloucester, as does 'old'. Context- Jacobean society feared civil wars and dispute over King James' ruling. |
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''Dark-eyed night''- Regan A2S1 |
Analysis- Personifying night suggests that Regan has ownership over it. Reflective of the hubris 'man' is presumed to have over things, ironic because man doesn't. Also suggests that Regan is also in control of what people see, she is evil and duplicitous like Edmund and blinding Gloucester and Lear metaphorically. |
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''Nature disclaims in thee: a tailor made thee''- Kent A2S2 |
Analysis- Could be a remark upon Jacobean society- they make their judgments based upon what someone wears. Irony as Edgar is dressed as a beggar but is the true good person. Imagery of clothing and appearances; suggests that Kent has insight into the personality of people. There is division in the land and also between the way people appear to be/act and the way they really are. |
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''Such smiling rogues as these, like rats, oft bite the holy cords a-twain which are too intrench t'unloose; smooth every passion''. - Kent A2S2 |
Analysis- Animal imagery/simile. Comparing Goneril and Regan to rats suggests vermin and disease/greed. 'Smiling rogues' suggests that their 'trade' is within lying and manipulation. Holy reflect Kent's loyalty to Lear/Kingdom. Context- Holy reminds the audience of the importance of Kinship. Monarchy had complete influence over religion, politics, economy. |
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''Contending with the fretful elements''. ''Which the impetuous blasts, with eyeless rage, and make nothing of''. (When Lear is exposed he has no power). ''Strives in his little world of a man to out-storm the to-and-fro-conflicting wind and rain''. Gentlemen A3S1 |
Analysis- Contending suggests Lear is fighting with the elements. Lear is trying to control nature because he still thinks he has power and also because he couldn't control Goneril and Regan. Little world is oxymoronic, mirrors the tedious assumption of man owning the world/the world is huge. Context- Man believed(s) he has/had control over the elements. In actuality, we are disposable and Shakespeare makes this comment directed at any audience of any age/time. To remind us of our place in the world; not society. |
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''Or the hard rein which both of them have borne against the old kind King''- Kent A3S1 ''Hard, hard. O filthy traitor!''- Regan A3S7 |
Analysis- Kind reminds us that Lear is a well-intentioned man, so we feel sympathy towards him. Hard rein shows the sadistic control they have e.g- Kent in the stocks, called Edgar's execution. Regan's words show the harshness of her rule, and contextually everyday man did not want/like this. Context- Jacobean society were afraid of the reign of James 1st. Nobody knew what to expect of him or how he would change Britain. |
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''Here I stand, your slave, a poor, infirm, weak, and despised old man''. ''Let the great Gods// find out their enemies now''. Lear A3S2 |
Analysis- Lexis of fragility/humility shows Lear's weakness now physically and also mentally as he's gone mad. Makes us pity him. Slave could suggest that we are all slaves of nature, therefore this could be Lear's moment of partial anagnorisis. It's also dramatic irony as he has realised what the audience has known all along. Reference to the Gods emphasises Lear's humility as he now realises power isn't in his hands. However, he still refuses to accept Goneril and Regan has it (why he refers to Gods instead). He believes in divine justice. Context- Superstitions of the time dictated that God's anger was reflective of behaviour etc. James 1st also used divine justice/reign to convince people of his position/validity. |
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''I am a man more sinned against than sinning''- Lear A3S2 |
Analysis- Lear finally gains insight into what has happened to him. We as an audience feel pity for him as he doesn't deserve this treatment. Shakespeare conforms him to the conventions of Tragic Hero, the punishment outweighs his crime. |
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''When priests are more in word than matter; when brewers mar their malt with water; when nobles are their tailor's tutors''. ''Then shall the realm of Albion come to great confusion''. - Fool A3S2 |
Analysis- Listings are metaphorical of the corruption in Jacobean society and within King Lear. Ref. to clothes reinforce appearance vs. true character. The fool's soliloquy provide the audience with valuable insight. Confusion is symbolic of the destruction that will happen to Britain if corruption can flourish. If the Fool is their to serve his king Lear, then maybe the Fool is talking directly to James 1st. Context- Corruption is still present in any day and age, the Jacobeans were afraid of corruption against their Kingdom. They were not familiar with James 1st's people. This could also be a warning to James himself who may have been in the audience. |
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''That which my father loses; no less than all. The younger rises when the old doth fall''- Edmund A3S3 ''Follow the old earl [...] get the Bedlam to lead him''- Servant 2 A3S7 |
Analysis- Rhyming couplet shows suggests that Edmund has rehearsed what he's saying. Reinforcing his sycophantic and duplicitous nature. However, what Edmund has said is true, as Edgar (Bedlam) is sought after and wanted when his father has fallen. Young take over from old, but this is contrasted to Edmund to show positivity. Gloucester was blind when he was leading himself, he needs help. |
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''Who gives anything to poor Tom?'' ''Do poor Tom some charity, whom the foul fiend vexes''. - Fool A3S4 |
Analysis- 1st quote links to the criticisms of James 1st. Poor people were ignored within society, if the monarchy/upper class couldn't feel their suffering they wouldn't help it. However, foul fiend makes us question who is to really blame. |
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''Is man no more than this?'' ''Unaccomodated man is no more but such a poor, bare, forked animal as thou art. Off, off, you lendings! Come; unbutton here''. - Lear A3S4 |
Analysis- Moment of anagnorisis for Lear, he finally realises that he is not paramount. His questioning shows his humility. Man has no true power or status, and is disposable in the eyes of the universe. Shakespeare uses animal imagery to show that Lear realises that we are mere animals. The taking off of his clothes emphasises his insight gain. Lear is learning his own insignificance. Context- Jacobeans thought the King was nearer to God. |
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''How to prevent the fiend, and to kill vermin''- ''Let us deal justly''. ''My tears begin to take his part so much, they mar my counterfeiting''. Edgar A3S4 |
Analysis- Irony as Lear should have done this/needs to do this. He should have learnt this. Edgar symbolises justice in contrast to Cornwall. This makes us sympathise with him yet reminds us of how evil Edmund is and the blindness of Gloucester. Edgar is able to sympathise, like Cordelia and Kent. Also links to Lear; ''expose thyself to feel what wretches feel''. Context- All anyone (even in today's society) want is fair justice. Shakespeare uses parts of the play to warn James that the people will revolt if they feel his reign is unfair, they have power in the choice of obedience. |
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''Then let them anatomize Regan, see what breeds about her heart. Is there any cause in nature that make these hard hearts''. - Lear A3S6 |
Analysis- Anatomise suggests that Lear really doesn't understand why his daughters have done this to him; he his a good person because he truly cannot understand evil people. OR he can't believe someone has assaulted his power in this way. Breeds suggests she's an animal however, but she hasn't always been like this (otherwise he wouldn't be shocked). Context- Jacobeans thought that things came from your heart, if you were brought up well then it must be physical (heart). |
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''How light and portable my pain seems now. when that which makes me bend makes the king bow''. ''My father, poorly led?''. Edgar A3S7 |
Analysis- Edgar even though he has been hurt still sees the best in situations and has hope. Tragedy puts our own suffering into perspective. His soliloquy shows the true nature of Edgar to the audience. Theme of suffering. |
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''Hang him instantly''- Regan ''Pluck out his eyes''- Goneril ''Leave him to my displeasure''- Cornwall ''For we know the truth''- Regan A3S7 |
Analysis- Parallels suggest their only unity is in their desire for suffering of others. Pluck is foreshadowing of their future actions against Gloucester. The imperatives of the phrases also show their dominance/power. They think they know the truth, but it is a manipulated version they have curated themselves to 'justify' their actions. Truth is ironic, they think they know it but the audience actually do. |
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''Then Edgar was abused. Kind Gods, forgive me that, and prosper him!''- Gloucester A3S7 |
Analysis- Gloucester still believes in Divine justice. This is the first piece of insight/realisation Gloucester has and it's ironic because he is now literally blind. |
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''Full oft 'tis seen, our means secure us, and our mere defects prove our commodities''- A4S1 |
Analysis- This is Gloucester's 2nd anagnorisis. Man thinks he is superior because of his possessions, but the poor who have nothing are sometimes better off as they have insight, which is invaluable. |
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''As flies to wanton boys, are we to th' Gods; they kill us for their sport''. (LINK) ''Is man no more than this?'' ''Tis the times' plague, when madmen lead the blind''. - Gloucester A4S1 |
Analysis- Gloucester's 3rd anagnorisis. He realises that we are at mercy of the Gods. We are controlled by them and we cannot change it. Metaphor of disease could be a message to the mistakes of James 1st, or a warning for sycophants or being plied by madmen. Context- Greek tragedy conventions/ tragic hero. |
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''Heavens, deal so still! Let the superfluous [...] man [...] that will not see because he does not feel, feel your power quickly; so distribution should undo excess, and each man have enough''. - Gloucester A4S1 |
Analysis- We should share wealth in order to reduce greed and corruption. Greed is the cause of evil and this message can be applied to all generations. Empathy makes a good leader. A bad leader will not empathise with the poor because it does not happen to them. ''Ignorance is bliss''. Context- Message to James and Jacobean society. |
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''That nature, which contemns it origin''. ''Wisdom and goodness to the vile seem vile''. ''Most barbarous, most degenerate''. Albany A4S2 |
Analysis- Metaphor for unnatural behaviour suggest that bad things happen when you neglect your origin. Animal imagery also echoes Kent and Lear. Deadly is foreboding and foreshadows the end of the play. |
