Act 3 Scene 6

Question 1

Quote showing dialogue flipping as fool is person who speaks truth

Answer 1

“He’s mad that trusts in the tameness of a wolf

Question 2

Analysis of “he’s mad that trusts in the tameness of a wolf”

Answer 2

-Metaphor of deceptive appearance as the fool warns that trusting those who are naturally trecharous is mad,linking to the flipped natural order as Lear trusted Goneril and Regan
-Example of how fool functions as Lear’s conscience
-Link to Regan’s own ‘wolfish visage’

Question 3

Analysis of mock trial scene

Answer 3

Scene is a form of tragicomic humor,funny on the surface yet deeply painful because it reflects Lear own mental collapse and the breakdown of order
-By placing fools and madmen as judges Shakespeare satirises the idea of justice itself as authority figures such as Lear,Cornwall and Gloucester have already perverted justice throughout
-Physical manifestation of Lear’s fractured mind and his need to ‘try’ Goneril and Regan

Question 4

Analysis of fool leaving

Answer 4

-Fool has fufiled his role in both allowing Lear to recognise his failure and leading Lear to insanity,he has now embraced his madness and so the fool no longer has a place
-Lear’s fate is now inevitable coinciding with his total collapse
-Loss of comic relief makes play feel darker and more relentless amplifying the tragic tone
-Symbolizes Lear increasing isolation highlighting his tragic fall as even his closest companion vanishes as he spirals into madness
-Link to Cordelia returning

Question 5

Analysis of Edgar’s speech after Lear leaves in act 3 scene 6

Answer 5

-Movement from madness to wisdom as Edgar retains clarity and moral insight
-Theme of universal human suffering as not even kings are immune “grief hath mates” suggests comfort in shared pain
-“who alone suffers most i’the mind” ties back to Lear’s madness becoming the ultimate example of solitary suffering