Imagery And Symbolism Flashcards
(14 cards)
What quote shows Lear expressing the pain of being betrayed by his daughter using a snake metaphor?
“How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child!”
Lear compares Goneril’s ingratitude to a serpent’s bite, showing how unnatural and deeply painful her betrayal feels. The snake imagery links her to deception and danger.
What quote does Albany use to show Goneril’s deceptive appearance?
“A gilded serpent.”
Albany condemns Goneril’s outward charm, suggesting she’s beautiful on the outside but deadly within. It symbolises appearance vs. reality.
What quote reflects Lear’s pride and power early in the play, using a mythical animal?
“Come not between the dragon and his wrath.”
Lear likens himself to a fierce dragon, showing his arrogance and temper. The image foreshadows his downfall and loss of authority.
What quote shows Lear finding peace in imprisonment with Cordelia, using bird imagery?
“Away to prison. We two alone will sing like birds in the cage.”
Birds symbolise purity and emotional freedom, contrasting earlier violent animal imagery.
What quote criticises the idea that people in power are respected regardless of merit?
“A dog’s obeyed in office.”
Lear reflects bitterly that even unworthy people gain obedience when they hold authority. The dog represents base, unthinking power.
What quote shows Lear reflecting on being manipulated by flattery?
“They flattered me like a dog.”
Lear admits he was deceived by false praise. Comparing himself to a dog highlights how easily he was controlled and misled.
What sarcastic quote does Lear use to criticise his daughters as selfish and unnatural?
“Pelican daughters.”
He twists the image of the pelican (thought to nourish its young with its own blood) to accuse Goneril and Regan of feeding on him instead of nurturing.
What animal imagery does Lear use to show how his daughters act savagely, not like children?
“Tigers, not daughters.”
Lear sees his daughters as wild predators, reinforcing their lack of compassion and unnatural behaviour.
What quote criticises how wealth hides corruption, while the poor are exposed?
“Through tattered clothes great vices do appear; robes and furred gowns hide all.”
Lear suggests that rich people can hide their sins behind fine clothes, whereas the poor are judged harshly. Clothing symbolises the illusion of respectability.
What quote symbolises Lear’s healing and renewal when he’s reunited with Cordelia?
“Fresh garments on him.”
Lear’s new clothes represent a restoration of his dignity and a kind of rebirth after madness. A visual sign of transformation.
What quote does Kent use to urge Lear to see clearly and recognise loyalty?
“See better, Lear, and let me still remain the true blank of thine eye.”
Kent pleads for Lear to perceive the truth and judge with wisdom. It symbolises Lear’s moral blindness and inability to distinguish honesty from flattery.
What quote does Gloucester say after being blinded, showing insight gained through suffering?
“I have no way and therefore want no eyes; I stumbled when I saw.”
He admits he was blind to the truth even when he could see. True sight comes not from eyes, but from experience and self-awareness.
What quote captures Lear’s inner turmoil during the storm?
“Blow winds, and crack your cheeks! Rage, blow!”
The violent weather reflects Lear’s emotional chaos. Pathetic fallacy is used to symbolise his breakdown and loss of control.
What quote from the Fool criticises Lear for giving away his power?
“thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown when thou gav’st thy golden one away.”
The imagery of two crowns—one “bald” (foolish, empty) and one “golden” (noble, valuable)—captures the tension between appearance and reality. Lear may still call himself king, but without the golden crown (authority), he is left vulnerable, mocked, and powerless.
