act 4 scene 7 Flashcards
(9 cards)
clothes memories of bad times
🎴 Cordelia – “Be better suited: these weeds are memories of those worse hours.”
AO1: Cordelia asks kent to change out of his rags, symbolising a new beginning.
AO2: Metaphor of “weeds” implies his clothing carries the weight of past suffering.
AO3: In Jacobean theatre, costume changes often marked transformation.
AO5: Feminist critics see Cordelia as a redemptive female force restoring order.
fresh clothes fresh start
🎴 Gentleman – “We have put fresh garments on Lear.”
AO1: Lear’s physical transformation mirrors a mental or spiritual rebirth.
AO2: “Fresh garments” act as visual metaphors for internal healing.
AO3: Costuming was vital in Elizabethan theatre — this signals hope.
AO4: Like a symbolic baptism, this reflects Lear’s potential restoration.
AO5: Psychoanalysts might read this as a visual indicator of Lear’s ego being rebuilt.
medical lips
🎴 Cordelia – “Thy medicine on my lips.”
AO1: Cordelia’s love is so pure it becomes medicinal.
AO2: Tender metaphor conveys affection and healing.
AO3: Reflects classical ideals of women as emotional healers.
AO4: Juxtaposes the poison of Goneril and Regan with Cordelia’s gentleness.
AO5: Could be interpreted as maternal — Cordelia becomes a nurturing mother figure.
confused
Where have I been? Where am I?”
AO1: Lear’s confusion reflects his metaphorical resurrection.
AO2: Rhetorical questions and fragmented syntax convey fragility.
AO3: Thematically links to madness, identity and rebirth.
AO4: Suggests the storm has been a trial that brought him moral insight.
AO5: Modern audiences may view this as early signs of mental illness or trauma recovery.
kneel
🎴 Cordelia – “No, sir, you must not kneel.”
AO1: Cordelia re-establishes Lear’s dignity and paternal role.
AO2: Inversion of expected power dynamics shows deep love and respect.
AO3: Shocking reversal — a daughter telling a king not to kneel.
AO4: Symbol of healing — social and familial roles are being repaired.
AO5: Some critics see Cordelia’s forgiveness as Christ-like.
realisation
– “I am a very foolish fond old man.”
AO1: Lear’s anagnorisis — he accepts his flaws and blindness.
AO2: Alliteration softens the tone; humility replaces pride.
AO3: Striking contrast to the tyrant in Act 1.
AO4: Evokes pity — links to Aristotelian catharsis.
AO5: Psychoanalysts view this as Lear regressing into childhood.
⸻
cause
🎴 Lear – “You have some cause, they have not.”
AO1: Acknowledges that Cordelia’s anger would be justified.
AO2: Balanced phrasing reflects emotional clarity and regret.
AO3: Lear finally recognises true love vs false flattery.
AO4: Contrast with Act 1’s rash rejection of Cordelia.
AO5: Morally redemptive moment — shows his tragic evolution.
no reason
🎴 Cordelia – “No cause, no cause.”
AO1: Cordelia rejects vengeance — embodies pure forgiveness.
AO2: Repetition softens the blow; shows grace.
AO3: Christian imagery — turning the other cheek.
AO4: Her mercy heightens the tragedy of her death.
AO5: Idealised womanhood or passivity? Critics disagree.
grave
🎴 Lear – “You do me wrong to take me out o’ the grave.” (Your recommendation)
AO1: Lear would rather be left in his metaphorical death than return to pain.
AO2: “Grave” metaphorically represents emotional and spiritual death.
AO3: A tragic irony — just as he is restored, he resists it.
AO4: Shows Lear still views the world as hostile despite the hope offered.
AO5: Could suggest Lear is beyond redemption — catharsis is limited
