Lear quotes Act 1 Flashcards
King Lear quotes all of Act 1 (15 cards)
Gloucester tells Kent that Edmund’s mother was attractive and they had a good time in bed conceiving him. He says he must acknowledge Edmund as his Son Act 1 Scene 1
‘yet was his mother fair; there was good sport at his making, and the whoreson must be acknowledged.’ Act 1 Scene 1
Goneril claims to love Lear more than words can possibly express. She says she loves him more than she loves her eyesight, her freedom and scope to enjoy it and that her love for him is beyond anything that can be valued. Act 1 Scene 1
‘Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter, Dearer than eye-sight, space and liberty, Beyond what can be valued rich or rare.’ Act 1 Scene 1
Cordelia says that she is unfortunate because she cannot put her emotions into words. Act 1 Scene 1
‘Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave My heart into my mouth. I love your majesty According to my bond; no more nor less.’ Act 1 Scene 1
Lear says that all he will keep is the title of king and the honours that go with it Act 1 Scene 1
‘Only we shall retain The name and all th’addition to a king.’ Act 1 Scene 1
Lear warns Cordelia that if she says nothing, she will get nothing. Act 1 Scene 1
‘Nothing will come of nothing. Speak again.’
Lear warns Kent not to come between him and the object of his anger. Lear compares himself to a mythical creature. Act 1 Scene 1
‘Come not between the dragon and his wrath.’ Act 1 Scene 1
Edmund says that despite being illegitimate, he will triumph over his brother and believes he is doing very well. He calls on the gods to stand up for illegitimate children. Act 1 Scene 2
‘Edmund the base shall top the legitimate. I grow, I prosper; Now, gods, stand up for bastards!’ Act 1 Scene 2
Gloucester shocked and deeply upset asks if Edgar could possibly have thought up such a thing and written it down. Act 1 Scene 2
‘My son Edgar! Had he a hand to write this? A heart and brain to breed it in?’ Act 1 Scene 2
Gloucester calls Edgar a hateful, beasty villain who is not behaving the way a child should behave towards its parent. Act 1 Scene 2
‘Unnatural, detested, brutish villain!’ Act 1 Scene 2
Goneril tells Oswald that he and the other servants should appear bored and neglectful when dealing with Lear. Act 1 Scene 3
‘Put on what weary negligence you please, You and your fellows.’ Act 1 Scene 3
Goneril tells Oswald that Lear is a foolish old man who still wants to keep the power and authority he has given away. Act 1 Scene 3
‘Idle old man, That still would manage those authorities That he hath given away!’ Act 1 Scene 3
Lear struggles to believe Goneril could treat him so badly, wonders aloud if anyone can tell him who he his. He says he cannot be Lear and asks those present if he looks and sounds like Lear. Act 1 Scene 4
‘Does any here know me? This is not Lear, Does Lear walk thus? Speak thus? Where are his eyes?’ Act 1 Scene 4
Goneril impatient with Lear’s behaviour, tells him that because he is old and respected, he should be wise. Act 1 Scene 4
‘As you are old and reverend, should be wise.’ Act 1 Scene 4
Lear realises that he made too much of Cordelia’s minor fault (refusing to go along with the love test) Act 1 Scene 4
‘O most small fault, How ugly dids’t thou in Cordelia show!’ Act 1 Scene 4
Lear strikes his own head, claiming it is a gate that let foolishness in and good judgement out. Act 1 Scene 4
O Lear,Lear,Lear! Beat at this gate that let foolishness in and good judgement out.’ Act 1 Scene 4
