Visualizing the Play IV-V
My goal with this assignment is to have you consider what has happened in the middle section of the play and put it all together. I want you to demonstrate that you understand what is happening and why some actions carry heavy consequences.
You are to make a visual that represents what has happened from IV i to V iii. You have several ways to do this:
- Make a comic book style illustration from the play. Feel free to use stick figures, but make sure we can tell whose who.
- Make a graphic organizer or flow chart that shows the action. You can organize it by:
Act IV i
An old man leads Gloucester to the countryside where Edgar agrees to walk him to Dover.
Act IV ii
Goneril and Albany fight. Goneril becomes interested in Edmund.
Act IV iii
Kent and Gentlemen talk about Cordelia.
Act IV iv
Cordelia describes her crazy father and talks of the upcoming war.
Act IV v
Oswald refuses to give Regan the letter from Goneril to Edmund. She commissions the murder of Gloucester.
Act IV vi
Edgar takes Gloucester to Dover where Gloucester thinks he survives his suicide attempt.
Edgar kills Oswald and get the letter from Goneril to Edmund.
Act IV vii
Cordelia visits with Lear and he begins to regain his sanity.
Act V i
Regan and Goneril both want Edmund. They begin to fight.
Edgar delivers Goneril’s letter to Albany.
Act V ii
The British troops win so Lear and Cordelia are taken prisoner.
Act V iii
Goneril and Regan die because of Edmund.
Edgar and Edmund fight.
Edmund dies.
Lear and Cordelia die.
Kent reveals himself to Lear, takes the dead family away to then kill himself.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Acts IV -V Interactive Journal
Interactive Journal
The interactive active journal is designed to help you understand and respond to the context of the play. You have four types of journal entries to choose from. Use the format that best fits the scene:
#1 Event Response Analysis
Event - Describe the event that happened in the story
Response - How do you feel about the particular event
Analysis - Why do you think this event occurred?
Why is it important to the storyline?
Why did Shakespeare include it?
#2 Observation Reflection Prediction
Observation - What observations have you made from this section?
Reflection - Why do you think this observation is significant?
Prediction - What do you think will happen next?
#3 Action Analysis Result
Action - Describe the action that was taken by a character that
surprised, shocked or impressed you?
Analysis - Why do you think this action occurred? How is it important
is it to the storyline? Why is it included in the play?
Result - What is the result of this action? How does it influence the plot or impact the other characters? Why?
#4 Problem Reflection Solution
Problem - What is the problem that the character(s) is/are facing?
Reflection - Why is this problem significant to the storyline? Why?
Solution - How do you think the character(s) will solve this problem?
Act IV i
An old man leads Gloucester to the countryside where Edgar agrees to walk him to Dover.
Act IV ii
Goneril and Albany fight. Goneril becomes interested in Edmund.
Act IV iii
Kent and Gentlemen talk about Cordelia.
Act IV iv
Cordelia describes her crazy father and talks of the upcoming war.
Act IV v
Oswald refuses to give Regan the letter from Goneril to Edmund. She commissions the murder of Gloucester.
Act IV vi
Edgar takes Gloucester to Dover where Gloucester thinks he survives his suicide attempt.
Edgar kills Oswald and get the letter from Goneril to Edmund.
Act IV vii
Cordelia visits with Lear and he begins to regain his sanity.
Act V i
Regan and Goneril both want Edmund. They begin to fight.
Edgar delivers Goneril’s letter to Albany.
Act V ii
The British troops win so Lear and Cordelia are taken prisoner.
Act V iii
Goneril and Regan die because of Edmund.
Edgar and Edmund fight.
Edmund dies.
Lear and Cordelia die.
Kent reveals himself to Lear, takes the dead family away to then kill himself.
The interactive active journal is designed to help you understand and respond to the context of the play. You have four types of journal entries to choose from. Use the format that best fits the scene:
#1 Event Response Analysis
Event - Describe the event that happened in the story
Response - How do you feel about the particular event
Analysis - Why do you think this event occurred?
Why is it important to the storyline?
Why did Shakespeare include it?
#2 Observation Reflection Prediction
Observation - What observations have you made from this section?
Reflection - Why do you think this observation is significant?
Prediction - What do you think will happen next?
#3 Action Analysis Result
Action - Describe the action that was taken by a character that
surprised, shocked or impressed you?
Analysis - Why do you think this action occurred? How is it important
is it to the storyline? Why is it included in the play?
Result - What is the result of this action? How does it influence the plot or impact the other characters? Why?
#4 Problem Reflection Solution
Problem - What is the problem that the character(s) is/are facing?
Reflection - Why is this problem significant to the storyline? Why?
Solution - How do you think the character(s) will solve this problem?
Act IV i
An old man leads Gloucester to the countryside where Edgar agrees to walk him to Dover.
Act IV ii
Goneril and Albany fight. Goneril becomes interested in Edmund.
Act IV iii
Kent and Gentlemen talk about Cordelia.
Act IV iv
Cordelia describes her crazy father and talks of the upcoming war.
Act IV v
Oswald refuses to give Regan the letter from Goneril to Edmund. She commissions the murder of Gloucester.
Act IV vi
Edgar takes Gloucester to Dover where Gloucester thinks he survives his suicide attempt.
Edgar kills Oswald and get the letter from Goneril to Edmund.
Act IV vii
Cordelia visits with Lear and he begins to regain his sanity.
Act V i
Regan and Goneril both want Edmund. They begin to fight.
Edgar delivers Goneril’s letter to Albany.
Act V ii
The British troops win so Lear and Cordelia are taken prisoner.
Act V iii
Goneril and Regan die because of Edmund.
Edgar and Edmund fight.
Edmund dies.
Lear and Cordelia die.
Kent reveals himself to Lear, takes the dead family away to then kill himself.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
King Lear Act V Scene iii Study Guide
King Lear Act V Scene iii
Study Guide
1. In the beginning of this scene Lear does not mind going to prison with Cordelia. Look at Vii 7-18 and summarize how Lear thinks it will be.
2. Explain what is meant when Regan says to Edmund, “ Let the drum strike, and prove my title thine.” Viii 81-82.
3. Why does Albany challenge Edmund?
4. Goneril has poisoned Regan. Why?
5. How do you think Edmund feels when he finds that his brother, Edgar, is the challenger?
6. Look at Edgar’s speeches on V iii(“By nursing them…”) 182-199, as well as V iii (“This would have seemed…”) 205-219 and summarize them.
Gloucester –
Kent –
7. Why does Edmund have a change of heart concerning Lear and Cordelia? What does he mean to do?
8. Why do you think Lear finally recognizes Kent in the end?
- How do you think Lear feels when he finds out that Kent was with him almost the entire time?
9. Please fill in the chart below:
How does their life end? What was the person feeling when s/he died? Why?
Regan
Gloucester
Goneril
Edmund
Cordelia
Lear
Kent
10. Make a prediction about what will happen next –
For Edgar –
Explain why you think that –
For Albany –
Study Guide
1. In the beginning of this scene Lear does not mind going to prison with Cordelia. Look at Vii 7-18 and summarize how Lear thinks it will be.
2. Explain what is meant when Regan says to Edmund, “ Let the drum strike, and prove my title thine.” Viii 81-82.
3. Why does Albany challenge Edmund?
4. Goneril has poisoned Regan. Why?
5. How do you think Edmund feels when he finds that his brother, Edgar, is the challenger?
6. Look at Edgar’s speeches on V iii(“By nursing them…”) 182-199, as well as V iii (“This would have seemed…”) 205-219 and summarize them.
Gloucester –
Kent –
7. Why does Edmund have a change of heart concerning Lear and Cordelia? What does he mean to do?
8. Why do you think Lear finally recognizes Kent in the end?
- How do you think Lear feels when he finds out that Kent was with him almost the entire time?
9. Please fill in the chart below:
How does their life end? What was the person feeling when s/he died? Why?
Regan
Gloucester
Goneril
Edmund
Cordelia
Lear
Kent
10. Make a prediction about what will happen next –
For Edgar –
Explain why you think that –
For Albany –
King Lear Act V Scene i-ii Study Guide
King Lear Act V Scene i-ii
1. Why is Regan so insistent that Goneril leave with her instead of staying behind with Edmund?
2. In Edmund’s soliloquy (Vi 55-69) he speaks of many things. Take a look at it and explain what he intends to do about:
Goneril and Regan –
Albany –
Lear and Cordelia –
3. What is Edgar’s function in this scene?
V ii
4. What is Edgar’s function in this scene?
5. At the end of the battle, who has won?
1. Why is Regan so insistent that Goneril leave with her instead of staying behind with Edmund?
2. In Edmund’s soliloquy (Vi 55-69) he speaks of many things. Take a look at it and explain what he intends to do about:
Goneril and Regan –
Albany –
Lear and Cordelia –
3. What is Edgar’s function in this scene?
V ii
4. What is Edgar’s function in this scene?
5. At the end of the battle, who has won?
King Lear Act IV Scene vii Study Guide
King Lear Act IV Scene vii
Study Guide
1. As Lear sleeps, Cordelia speaks to him and says, “…Mine enemy’s dog, though he had bit me, should have stood that night against my fire…” IV vii 36-39.
What does she mean when she says this?
Why does she say it?
2. Lear says,
Be your tears wet? Yes, faith. I pray weep not.
If you have poison for me, I will drink it.
I know you do not love me; for your sisters
have, as I do remember, done me wrong.
You have some cause, they have not. IV vii
Explain how Lear is feeling now…
About himself…
About Goneril and Regan…
About Cordelia…
3. By the end of this scene there is a change that has come about in Lear. Explain what that change is and how or why you think it occurred.
4. According to the discussion in this scene, who is in charge of Cornwall’s army?
Study Guide
1. As Lear sleeps, Cordelia speaks to him and says, “…Mine enemy’s dog, though he had bit me, should have stood that night against my fire…” IV vii 36-39.
What does she mean when she says this?
Why does she say it?
2. Lear says,
Be your tears wet? Yes, faith. I pray weep not.
If you have poison for me, I will drink it.
I know you do not love me; for your sisters
have, as I do remember, done me wrong.
You have some cause, they have not. IV vii
Explain how Lear is feeling now…
About himself…
About Goneril and Regan…
About Cordelia…
3. By the end of this scene there is a change that has come about in Lear. Explain what that change is and how or why you think it occurred.
4. According to the discussion in this scene, who is in charge of Cornwall’s army?
Thursday, March 5, 2009
King Lear Act IV Scene vi
King Lear Act IV Scene vi
Study Guide
1. In the early part of this scene Gloucester asks Tom to take him to the edge of a cliff where he intends to commit suicide. Tom pretends to do so. Gloucester gives Tom a money purse and sends him away. Thinking he is alone, Gloucester says to himself, “If Edgar Live, O bless him.” Consider this part of the scene and…
… explain what you think Tom feels when he hears this.
… explain why Tom does not reveal himself as Edgar to Gloucester now.
2. Tom/Edgar tells Gloucester that he has survived a great fall, that the gods must have saved him. Why would Tom/Edgar say this?
3. In his madness Lear says to Gloucester, “… for Gloucester’s bastard son was kinder to his father than my daughters got ‘tween the lawful sheets.” IV vi 115.
Is this statement actually true or false?
What is your reasoning for your answer?
4. Where are the British and French armies now?
5. As Edgar leads his father to safety Oswald shows up. Please summarize what happens between Edgar, Gloucester and Oswald.
6. Do you think Edgar did the right thing or was he wrong? Explain your reasons for your answer.
7. What important news does Edgar find in the letter?
Study Guide
1. In the early part of this scene Gloucester asks Tom to take him to the edge of a cliff where he intends to commit suicide. Tom pretends to do so. Gloucester gives Tom a money purse and sends him away. Thinking he is alone, Gloucester says to himself, “If Edgar Live, O bless him.” Consider this part of the scene and…
… explain what you think Tom feels when he hears this.
… explain why Tom does not reveal himself as Edgar to Gloucester now.
2. Tom/Edgar tells Gloucester that he has survived a great fall, that the gods must have saved him. Why would Tom/Edgar say this?
3. In his madness Lear says to Gloucester, “… for Gloucester’s bastard son was kinder to his father than my daughters got ‘tween the lawful sheets.” IV vi 115.
Is this statement actually true or false?
What is your reasoning for your answer?
4. Where are the British and French armies now?
5. As Edgar leads his father to safety Oswald shows up. Please summarize what happens between Edgar, Gloucester and Oswald.
6. Do you think Edgar did the right thing or was he wrong? Explain your reasons for your answer.
7. What important news does Edgar find in the letter?
King Lear Act IV Scene v
King Lear Act IV Scene v
Study Guide
1. Why does Regan think it was a mistake to let Gloucester live?
• What does Regan think Edmund will do about this?
2. What does Regan want with Edmund?
3. Why is Regan jealous of Goneril?
4. Towards the end of this scene Regan tells Oswald that the person who murders Gloucester will receive a reward. How do you think Oswald will react? What will he do with this idea?
Study Guide
1. Why does Regan think it was a mistake to let Gloucester live?
• What does Regan think Edmund will do about this?
2. What does Regan want with Edmund?
3. Why is Regan jealous of Goneril?
4. Towards the end of this scene Regan tells Oswald that the person who murders Gloucester will receive a reward. How do you think Oswald will react? What will he do with this idea?
King Lear Act IV Scene iii-iv
King Lear Act IV Scene iii-iv
Study Guide
1. The Gentlman reports to Kent about Cordelia’s emotional state. He says that she is feeling two very different emotions. List and explain the reasons for those emotions here. (To properly answer this question you will need to think about what you know from the other parts of the play.)
Emotion –
Reason –
Emotion –
Reason -
2. In this scene we find out that Cordelia, now Queen of France, is in Dover with the French army. Her husband has been called back to France to deal with an important matter. This offers a subtle hint that Cordelia could be in danger. Predict what danger that could be.
3. King Lear’s symbolic crown of “rank fumiter and furrow weeds…” informs Cordelia of the condition of her father. How does Cordelia respond to this? Copy two sets of lines that show her emotional state in relation to her father and explain what they mean:
First set of lines: “
Meaning:
Second set of lines:
Meaning:
Study Guide
1. The Gentlman reports to Kent about Cordelia’s emotional state. He says that she is feeling two very different emotions. List and explain the reasons for those emotions here. (To properly answer this question you will need to think about what you know from the other parts of the play.)
Emotion –
Reason –
Emotion –
Reason -
2. In this scene we find out that Cordelia, now Queen of France, is in Dover with the French army. Her husband has been called back to France to deal with an important matter. This offers a subtle hint that Cordelia could be in danger. Predict what danger that could be.
3. King Lear’s symbolic crown of “rank fumiter and furrow weeds…” informs Cordelia of the condition of her father. How does Cordelia respond to this? Copy two sets of lines that show her emotional state in relation to her father and explain what they mean:
First set of lines: “
Meaning:
Second set of lines:
Meaning:
King Lear Act IV Scene ii
King Lear Act IV Scene ii
Study Guide
1. How does Goneril feel about Albany, her husband, now? Copy down two sets of lines from this part of the play that shows this attitude:
*
*
*
2. How does Goneril feel about Edmund now? Copy down two sets of lines from this part of the play that shows this attitude:
*
*
*
3. How does Albany feel about Goneril now? Copy down two sets of lines from this part of the play that shows this attitude:
*
*
* (What final near threat does he make?)
4. Why is Goneril concerned about Regan says?
5. How does Albany feel about Gloucester? (Answer this question once you have finished reading the scene.
Study Guide
1. How does Goneril feel about Albany, her husband, now? Copy down two sets of lines from this part of the play that shows this attitude:
*
*
*
2. How does Goneril feel about Edmund now? Copy down two sets of lines from this part of the play that shows this attitude:
*
*
*
3. How does Albany feel about Goneril now? Copy down two sets of lines from this part of the play that shows this attitude:
*
*
* (What final near threat does he make?)
4. Why is Goneril concerned about Regan says?
5. How does Albany feel about Gloucester? (Answer this question once you have finished reading the scene.
King Lear Act IV Scene i Study Guide
King Lear Act IV Scene i
Study Guide
1. Explain the metaphorical meaning when Gloucester says, “I have no way, and therefore want no eyes; I stumbled when I saw.”
2. Edgar is very obviously distressed upon seeing the condition of his father, yet he does not reveal himself as Edgar. Instead he continues to use the Poor O’Tom of Bedlam guise. What purpose does this serve?
• Why doe he not reveal himself?
• Speculate on what would happen if Edgar revealed his true identity to his father.
Study Guide
1. Explain the metaphorical meaning when Gloucester says, “I have no way, and therefore want no eyes; I stumbled when I saw.”
2. Edgar is very obviously distressed upon seeing the condition of his father, yet he does not reveal himself as Edgar. Instead he continues to use the Poor O’Tom of Bedlam guise. What purpose does this serve?
• Why doe he not reveal himself?
• Speculate on what would happen if Edgar revealed his true identity to his father.
Acts II - III King Lear - Considering the Bigger Picture
King Lear Acts II-III Considering the Bigger Picture.
Please do ONE of the following: The interactive journal for all scenes in Act II-III OR a visualization for the same:
Visualizing the Play
My goal with this assignment is to have you consider what has happened in the middle section of the play and put it all together. I want you to demonstrate that you understand what is happening and why some actions carry heavy consequences.
You are to make a visual that represents what has happened from II to III. You have several ways to do this:
- Make a comic book style illustration from the play. Feel free to use stick figures, but make sure we can tell whose who.
- Make a graphic organizer or flow chart that shows the action. You can organize it by:
Situation
Act II Scene i
Rumor of conflict between Albany & Cornwall
Edmund convinces everyone that Edgar want to kill Gloucester
Act II Scene ii
Oswald & Kent fight, Kent ends up in the stocks
Act II Scene iii
Edgar becomes Tom O’Bedlam
Act II Scene iv
Lear finds Kent in the stocks, fights with daughters, the sisters tag-team Lear
Lear gets thrown out into the storm
Act III Scene i
Kent learn of the possible war between Albany and Cornwall, as well as the impending attack from French forces
Act III Scene ii
Lear sinks into madness further during the storm
Act III Scene iii
Gloucester trusts Edmund with important news from a secret, dangerous letter.
Act III Scene iv
Tom O Bedlam encounters Lear, Fool and Kent.
As Lear sinks farther into madness, Gloucester offers aid
Act III Scene v
Edmund tells Cornwall that Gloucester is being treasonous
Act III Scene vi
Lear has gone completely mad. He puts Goneril and Regan on trial
Gloucester urges Kent to move the King to Dover
Act III Scene vii
Cornwall catches Gloucester. Cornwall and Regan pluck out his eyes
Servants loyal to Gloucester attack. One is mortally wounded, the other helps Gloucester escape
Gloucester comes to an important realization concerning Edgar
Interactive Journal
The interactive active journal is designed to help you understand and respond to the context of the play. You have four types of journal entries to choose from. Use the format that best fits the scene:
#1 Event Response Analysis
Event - Describe the event that happened in the story
Response - How do you feel about the particular event
Analysis - Why do you think this event occurred?
Why is it important to the storyline?
Why did Shakespeare include it?
#2 Observation Reflection Prediction
Observation - What observations have you made from this section?
Reflection - Why do you think this observation is significant?
Prediction - What do you think will happen next?
#3 Action Analysis Result
Action - Describe the action that was taken by a character that
surprised, shocked or impressed you?
Analysis - Why do you think this action occurred? How is it important
is it to the storyline? Why is it included in the play?
Result - What is the result of this action? How does it influence the plot
or impact the other characters? Why?
#4 Problem Reflection Solution
Problem - What is the problem that the character(s) is/are facing?
Reflection - Why is this problem significant to the storyline? Why?
Solution - How do you think the character(s) will solve this problem?
Act II Scene i
Rumor of conflict between Albany & Cornwall
Edmund convinces everyone that Edgar want to kill Gloucester
Act II Scene ii
Oswald & Kent fight, Kent ends up in the stocks
Act II Scene iii
Edgar becomes Tom O’Bedlam
Act II Scene iv
Lear finds Kent in the stocks, fights with daughters, the sisters tag-team Lear
Lear gets thrown out into the storm
Act III Scene i
Kent learn of the possible war between Albany and Cornwall, as well as the impending attack from French forces
Act III Scene ii
Lear sinks into madness further during the storm
Act III Scene iii
Gloucester trusts Edmund with important news from a secret, dangerous letter.
Act III Scene iv
Tom O Bedlam encounters Lear, Fool and Kent.
As Lear sinks farther into madness, Gloucester offers aid
Act III Scene v
Edmund tells Cornwall that Gloucester is being treasonous
Act III Scene vi
Lear has gone completely mad. He puts Goneril and Regan on trial
Gloucester urges Kent to move the King to Dover
Act III Scene vii
Cornwall catches Gloucester. Cornwall and Regan pluck out his eyes
Servants loyal to Gloucester attack. One is mortally wounded, the other helps Gloucester escape
Gloucester comes to an important realization concerning Edgar
Please do ONE of the following: The interactive journal for all scenes in Act II-III OR a visualization for the same:
Visualizing the Play
My goal with this assignment is to have you consider what has happened in the middle section of the play and put it all together. I want you to demonstrate that you understand what is happening and why some actions carry heavy consequences.
You are to make a visual that represents what has happened from II to III. You have several ways to do this:
- Make a comic book style illustration from the play. Feel free to use stick figures, but make sure we can tell whose who.
- Make a graphic organizer or flow chart that shows the action. You can organize it by:
Situation
Act II Scene i
Rumor of conflict between Albany & Cornwall
Edmund convinces everyone that Edgar want to kill Gloucester
Act II Scene ii
Oswald & Kent fight, Kent ends up in the stocks
Act II Scene iii
Edgar becomes Tom O’Bedlam
Act II Scene iv
Lear finds Kent in the stocks, fights with daughters, the sisters tag-team Lear
Lear gets thrown out into the storm
Act III Scene i
Kent learn of the possible war between Albany and Cornwall, as well as the impending attack from French forces
Act III Scene ii
Lear sinks into madness further during the storm
Act III Scene iii
Gloucester trusts Edmund with important news from a secret, dangerous letter.
Act III Scene iv
Tom O Bedlam encounters Lear, Fool and Kent.
As Lear sinks farther into madness, Gloucester offers aid
Act III Scene v
Edmund tells Cornwall that Gloucester is being treasonous
Act III Scene vi
Lear has gone completely mad. He puts Goneril and Regan on trial
Gloucester urges Kent to move the King to Dover
Act III Scene vii
Cornwall catches Gloucester. Cornwall and Regan pluck out his eyes
Servants loyal to Gloucester attack. One is mortally wounded, the other helps Gloucester escape
Gloucester comes to an important realization concerning Edgar
Interactive Journal
The interactive active journal is designed to help you understand and respond to the context of the play. You have four types of journal entries to choose from. Use the format that best fits the scene:
#1 Event Response Analysis
Event - Describe the event that happened in the story
Response - How do you feel about the particular event
Analysis - Why do you think this event occurred?
Why is it important to the storyline?
Why did Shakespeare include it?
#2 Observation Reflection Prediction
Observation - What observations have you made from this section?
Reflection - Why do you think this observation is significant?
Prediction - What do you think will happen next?
#3 Action Analysis Result
Action - Describe the action that was taken by a character that
surprised, shocked or impressed you?
Analysis - Why do you think this action occurred? How is it important
is it to the storyline? Why is it included in the play?
Result - What is the result of this action? How does it influence the plot
or impact the other characters? Why?
#4 Problem Reflection Solution
Problem - What is the problem that the character(s) is/are facing?
Reflection - Why is this problem significant to the storyline? Why?
Solution - How do you think the character(s) will solve this problem?
Act II Scene i
Rumor of conflict between Albany & Cornwall
Edmund convinces everyone that Edgar want to kill Gloucester
Act II Scene ii
Oswald & Kent fight, Kent ends up in the stocks
Act II Scene iii
Edgar becomes Tom O’Bedlam
Act II Scene iv
Lear finds Kent in the stocks, fights with daughters, the sisters tag-team Lear
Lear gets thrown out into the storm
Act III Scene i
Kent learn of the possible war between Albany and Cornwall, as well as the impending attack from French forces
Act III Scene ii
Lear sinks into madness further during the storm
Act III Scene iii
Gloucester trusts Edmund with important news from a secret, dangerous letter.
Act III Scene iv
Tom O Bedlam encounters Lear, Fool and Kent.
As Lear sinks farther into madness, Gloucester offers aid
Act III Scene v
Edmund tells Cornwall that Gloucester is being treasonous
Act III Scene vi
Lear has gone completely mad. He puts Goneril and Regan on trial
Gloucester urges Kent to move the King to Dover
Act III Scene vii
Cornwall catches Gloucester. Cornwall and Regan pluck out his eyes
Servants loyal to Gloucester attack. One is mortally wounded, the other helps Gloucester escape
Gloucester comes to an important realization concerning Edgar
Act III Scene vii King Lear
King Lear: Act III Scene vii
Study Guide
Gloucester: “Good my friends consider you are my guests. Do me no foul play, friends”
1. We know from past actions that Cornwall and Regan can be cold hearted and cruel. What are at least two acts of cruelty they have performed up to this point in the play?
2. Gloucester and Cornwall hail from two very different generations. Gloucester is of the old regime where value is placed on respectful treatment and consideration. Cornwall subscribes to the “the means justifies the mean” school of thought. How does this show up in this scene?
***************************************************************************
Brutal Reality – The Blinding of Gloucester on the Stage:
When Shakespeare wrote this scene he broke with the convention of the time that had the violence happen off the stage. The audience would simply learn of it through a message or discussion of others on the stage or by seeing the aftermath of the event. Shakespeare wanted the audience to feel the raw savagery and brutality of Cornwall and Regan so he elected to show them blinding Gloucester by plucking his eyes out with their thumbs.
The thread of sight has been carried in a symbolic aspect through the entire play. Here, sight means intelligence, such as when Kent tells Lear, “See better, Lear.” Gloucester’s blinding leads him to a new level of understanding and insight concerning Edgar and Edmund. His realization comes in a blinding flash.
***************************************************************************
There are several cases where justices has been derailed and the treatment of someone is inappropriate for their behavior. Briefly mention them here:
Cordelia –
Edgar –
Gloucester –
Why does Cornwall pluck out Gloucester’s eyes?
Explain the realization Gloucester comes to concerning Edmund and Edgar.
Why does Regan kill the servant?
What predictions can you make concerning Regan and Cornwall?
Study Guide
Gloucester: “Good my friends consider you are my guests. Do me no foul play, friends”
1. We know from past actions that Cornwall and Regan can be cold hearted and cruel. What are at least two acts of cruelty they have performed up to this point in the play?
2. Gloucester and Cornwall hail from two very different generations. Gloucester is of the old regime where value is placed on respectful treatment and consideration. Cornwall subscribes to the “the means justifies the mean” school of thought. How does this show up in this scene?
***************************************************************************
Brutal Reality – The Blinding of Gloucester on the Stage:
When Shakespeare wrote this scene he broke with the convention of the time that had the violence happen off the stage. The audience would simply learn of it through a message or discussion of others on the stage or by seeing the aftermath of the event. Shakespeare wanted the audience to feel the raw savagery and brutality of Cornwall and Regan so he elected to show them blinding Gloucester by plucking his eyes out with their thumbs.
The thread of sight has been carried in a symbolic aspect through the entire play. Here, sight means intelligence, such as when Kent tells Lear, “See better, Lear.” Gloucester’s blinding leads him to a new level of understanding and insight concerning Edgar and Edmund. His realization comes in a blinding flash.
***************************************************************************
There are several cases where justices has been derailed and the treatment of someone is inappropriate for their behavior. Briefly mention them here:
Cordelia –
Edgar –
Gloucester –
Why does Cornwall pluck out Gloucester’s eyes?
Explain the realization Gloucester comes to concerning Edmund and Edgar.
Why does Regan kill the servant?
What predictions can you make concerning Regan and Cornwall?
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