King Lear; Kent Flashcards
(3 cards)
What is our First Impression of Kent?
Our first impression of Kent is that he is the voice of reason and unwaveringly loyalty. He discusses how he has always respected Lear: “Whom I have ever honoured as my king… thought on in my prayers”.
Yet despite these claims, he is also willing to stand up to Lear for what he thinks is right asking Lear to "”See better”, accusing Lear of “hideous rashness” and telling him “thou dost evil” when he reaffirms his decision.
As he leaves, he assures Cordelia she has done the right thing and urges Regan and Goneril to prove their “words of love” we not false. Kent in this scene displays a great sense of both wisdom and compassion.
Descibe how Kent’s character acts once disguised.
Kent disguises so he can act as a servent to Lear, he claims to not know lear but argues that Lear have that in your countenance which I would fain call master” which satisfies Lear: If I like thee no worse after dinner, I will not part from thee yet. When Oswald upsets Lear, Kent trips him over and shoves him acting as a comedic service and to further build Lears trust. Lear is delighted with this treatment and instantly takes Kent into his service.
When sent on a message for Regan, he runs into Oswald. He proceeds to challenge him to a duel and insult him calling him a “shallow, beggardly, three-suited, hundred-pound, filthy, woosted-knocking knave” yet again serving to add a level of humor to to the play. However This leads to him getting locked in the stocks.
Later on in the Storm, Kent helps Lear worrying about his state of mind: “His wits begin t’unsettle”. Gloucester then says that it’s not surprising Lear is going mad and that “good Kent”, the “poor baninshed man”, foretold Goneril and Regans cruelty. This quite further enforces Kent’s wisdom.
Describe how Kent’s character acts near the end of the play.
Near the end of the play, Cordelia thanks Kent for his kindness and wonders how she can ever repay him. Kent replies “To be achknowledged , madam, is o’er-paid” displaying a great sense of duty.
Then in the final scene when Lear enters with Cordelia’s body in his arms. Kent appalled and grief-stricken asks “Is this the promised end”?. It’s at this point Lear recognises Kent through his disguise, Kent tells lear that “All’s cheerless, dark and deadly”. Before Lear dies he restores Edgar and Kent’s power along with “such addition” to reward them for their loyalty.
Lear then dies of a broken heart and Kent tells Edgar not to try to save him: “Vex not his ghost. O let him pass”. Albany then asks Edgar and Kent to rule the kingdom jointly, but Kent refuses saying “I have a journey sir… I must not say no”. Here Kent’s loyalty is extending to Lear even in the afterlife. Kent truly is the pinnacle of fidelty in the play.
