King Lear Act 1 Quotes Quizlet

king lear act 1 quotes quizlet

King Lear’s first act is full of great quotes, some of which are more memorable than others. Among these are the Characterisation and Juxtaposition quotes. Learn more about these important themes in this quizlet. Also, learn about the characters’ traits and how they interact with each other in the play.

Juxtaposition

If you’ve seen Shakespeare’s play, you may have already heard several of the King Lear Act 1 quotes. These quotes are essential in understanding the play’s themes, as they give insight into the character’s motivations and actions. They will also help you understand the meaning of other quotes in the play.

In Act I, King Lear addresses his court. He introduces his son, Edmund, and speaks of his love for the two daughters. The royal court hears his speech and learns about his plans. Then, he tells the court that he plans to retire from the throne and give up his land and power to protect his daughters. In the process, he banishes his daughter, Cordelia. In the meantime, the king is dealing with the consequences of his actions and the repercussions that follow.

Characterisation

Shakespeare’s “King Lear” is an example of how the playwright uses characterisation to create a world where appearances are not as important as reality. The king fails to uphold the doctrine of the Divine Right of Kings, which suggests that monarchs must rule according to the will of god. The character of King Lear is characterized by a complete lack of humility. Despite his poverty, he refuses to accept his faults or admit that he divided the kingdom.

This irrational state of mind is also reflected in the play’s language. Lear compares himself to a dragon, a symbol of power and violence. He juxtaposes moments of strength with moments of weakness. He gives two orders to his court, the first of which is to slay the dragon and the second of which asks “who stirs?” These two phrases are typical of King Lear’s deluded state of mind.

Characterisation of the malcontent

In the play, Edgar is introduced as the malcontent, an outsider who seeks to subvert society. Although he isn’t granted any real soliloquies, his actions serve as a commentary on society and provide insight. The character is also used by the author to inject humor and satire into his play. The character is introduced when Goneril complains to Oswald about Lear’s misdeeds. This reflects the power shift within the family and foreshadows Lear’s peripeteia, or the loss of responsibility.

Edmond’s opening soliloquy reveals his reasoning as a discontented malcontent. His final line indicates that he is a master manipulator and preys on the emotions of his father and brother. He also sees himself as a man who will either make his fortune or ruin it. In the play, it seems as though he is right. However, he refuses to acknowledge his faults.

Characterisation of Cordelia

The characterisation of Cordelia in King Lear Act I quotes quizlet highlights some of the main themes of the play. Lear is furious with his daughter because she does not flatter him, but Cordelia’s refusal to do so establishes her virtue and love. In doing so, she causes Lear to make a tragic mistake in judgment. Shakespeare reveals this through the unique language Cordelia uses to appeal to Lear.

While the characterisation of Cordelia in Act I reveals many of the themes of the play, this section focuses on how the play deals with the woman’s passion. Although the Queen of Kent is personified as a woman, her passion is personified as masculine. This contrasts with the Queen’s feminism, and the queen’s punishment, which far outweighs the queen’s crimes.