concern about Lear’s desire for authority. Regan agrees that they must “think” about this, but Goneril says that they “must do something,” highlighting a subtle difference between them.
ACT 1 SCENE 2
Lines 1–22: Edmund is angry that he will not inherit. He protests about the label “base” and argues that he is as good as “honest madam’s issue”—better, even, because there was passion in his conception. He reveals his designs on Edgar’s inheritance.
Lines 23–107: Edmund conceals a letter from Gloucester in a way that draws attention to it. He tells Gloucester it is “Nothing,” but then pretends that it is from Edgar. Gloucester reads its contents, which suggest that Edgar and Edmund should murder Gloucester and split the inheritance. Edmund manipulates Gloucester, who is easily persuaded that Edgar is an “unnatural” villain. Edmund pretends to plead on Edgar’s behalf and arranges that Gloucester will overhear a conversation between them. Gloucester exits, blaming all the problems in family and state on “These late eclipses in the sun and moon.”
Lines 108–161: Edmund is scornful of those who believe that destiny is decided by the stars and blame their “evil” on “a divine thrusting on,” thus raising a debate between free will and fate, as he claims that the stars have no influence on his personality or fortune. Edgar interrupts and Edmund changes behavior on “cue,” suggesting his directorial role in the action. He persuades Edgar that Gloucester is angry with him and suggests that they avoid meeting. Giving Edgar the key to his lodging, he promises to help.
ACT 1 SCENE 3
Goneril and her steward Oswald discuss Lear’s irrational temper. She gives instructions to say that she is ill and cannot see Lear and that the servants are to ignore him.
ACT 1 SCENE 4
Lines 1–89: Kent is disguised, but while his appearance has changed, his nature has not—he is still an “honest-hearted fellow.” Not recognizing him, Lear employs Kent and asks Oswald for Goneril, but is ignored. One of Lear’s knights says that Oswald refuses to come back, that Goneril is unwell, and points out that Lear has been neglected recently. When Oswald reappears, he is disrespectful and Lear loses his temper. Kent trips Oswald up and insults him, earning Lear’s thanks.
Lines 90–174: Lear’s Fool delivers a series of jokes, riddles, nonsense, and rhymes. These have comic effect, but they are alsoambiguous, providing perceptive comment on Lear’s circumstances and reinforcing some key themes such as cruelty, division, and folly. In the Quarto text, Kent comments that “This is not altogether fool my lord.”
Lines 175–297: Goneril lists her grievances. Lear’s temper and language become wilder, suggesting the growing disquiet of his mind. The interjections of the Fool, combining nonsense and wisdom, contribute to the growing disorder. Albany ineffectually attempts to calm Lear, who curses Goneril with either sterility or the future birth of a “child of spleen.” He leaves. Goneril ignores Albany, showing where the power lies in their relationship. Lear returns, having discovered that Goneril has reduced his train of knights by fifty. Despite uncontrollable anger, his tears suggest weakness. He decides to go to Regan, saying she will “flay” Goneril’s “wolfish visage”—an example of the animal imagery associated with the two sisters.
Lines 298–325: Goneril claims it is unwise to allow Lear to enforce the whims of his old age, and calls Oswald to take a letter to Regan. She criticizes Albany for his “milky gentleness.”
ACT 1 SCENE 5
Lear sends letters to Gloucester with Kent, then struggles against madness as he talks to his Fool.
ACT 2 SCENE 1
Lines 1–91: Edmund urges Edgar to escape, suggesting that Cornwall believes Edgar is plotting against him, and that Gloucester is in pursuit. Edmund directs Edgar’s flight, pretending that he is helping, but convincing
ACT 1 SCENE 2
Lines 1–22: Edmund is angry that he will not inherit. He protests about the label “base” and argues that he is as good as “honest madam’s issue”—better, even, because there was passion in his conception. He reveals his designs on Edgar’s inheritance.
Lines 23–107: Edmund conceals a letter from Gloucester in a way that draws attention to it. He tells Gloucester it is “Nothing,” but then pretends that it is from Edgar. Gloucester reads its contents, which suggest that Edgar and Edmund should murder Gloucester and split the inheritance. Edmund manipulates Gloucester, who is easily persuaded that Edgar is an “unnatural” villain. Edmund pretends to plead on Edgar’s behalf and arranges that Gloucester will overhear a conversation between them. Gloucester exits, blaming all the problems in family and state on “These late eclipses in the sun and moon.”
Lines 108–161: Edmund is scornful of those who believe that destiny is decided by the stars and blame their “evil” on “a divine thrusting on,” thus raising a debate between free will and fate, as he claims that the stars have no influence on his personality or fortune. Edgar interrupts and Edmund changes behavior on “cue,” suggesting his directorial role in the action. He persuades Edgar that Gloucester is angry with him and suggests that they avoid meeting. Giving Edgar the key to his lodging, he promises to help.
ACT 1 SCENE 3
Goneril and her steward Oswald discuss Lear’s irrational temper. She gives instructions to say that she is ill and cannot see Lear and that the servants are to ignore him.
ACT 1 SCENE 4
Lines 1–89: Kent is disguised, but while his appearance has changed, his nature has not—he is still an “honest-hearted fellow.” Not recognizing him, Lear employs Kent and asks Oswald for Goneril, but is ignored. One of Lear’s knights says that Oswald refuses to come back, that Goneril is unwell, and points out that Lear has been neglected recently. When Oswald reappears, he is disrespectful and Lear loses his temper. Kent trips Oswald up and insults him, earning Lear’s thanks.
Lines 90–174: Lear’s Fool delivers a series of jokes, riddles, nonsense, and rhymes. These have comic effect, but they are alsoambiguous, providing perceptive comment on Lear’s circumstances and reinforcing some key themes such as cruelty, division, and folly. In the Quarto text, Kent comments that “This is not altogether fool my lord.”
Lines 175–297: Goneril lists her grievances. Lear’s temper and language become wilder, suggesting the growing disquiet of his mind. The interjections of the Fool, combining nonsense and wisdom, contribute to the growing disorder. Albany ineffectually attempts to calm Lear, who curses Goneril with either sterility or the future birth of a “child of spleen.” He leaves. Goneril ignores Albany, showing where the power lies in their relationship. Lear returns, having discovered that Goneril has reduced his train of knights by fifty. Despite uncontrollable anger, his tears suggest weakness. He decides to go to Regan, saying she will “flay” Goneril’s “wolfish visage”—an example of the animal imagery associated with the two sisters.
Lines 298–325: Goneril claims it is unwise to allow Lear to enforce the whims of his old age, and calls Oswald to take a letter to Regan. She criticizes Albany for his “milky gentleness.”
ACT 1 SCENE 5
Lear sends letters to Gloucester with Kent, then struggles against madness as he talks to his Fool.
ACT 2 SCENE 1
Lines 1–91: Edmund urges Edgar to escape, suggesting that Cornwall believes Edgar is plotting against him, and that Gloucester is in pursuit. Edmund directs Edgar’s flight, pretending that he is helping, but convincing
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