The tragedy of king Lear
The main characters
Chapter 1
1. Why did king Lear decide to divide his kingdom?
King Lear divided his kingdom for a combination of reasons:
Retirement: He was getting old and wanted to step down.
Testing his daughters: He wanted to see who loved him the most.
Avoiding conflict: He hoped to prevent future arguments about who would rule.
Personal desire: He enjoyed being showered with affection.
2. What terrible mistake does lear make as a result of cordilia’s
words?
Lear makes a terrible mistake by banishing Cordelia because her honest answer doesn't
flatter him like his other daughters' lies. He thinks she doesn't love him enough because
she doesn't play his game.
3. “ I can’t put my heart in my mouth.” comment
This was Cordilia’s answer to her father when he asked her about how much she loved
him. As she couldn’t find the suitable words to expess her love, she loves him as a
daughter should love her father. No more,nor less.
4. How did Edmund turn his father against Edger?
Edmund turned his father against Edgar by:
Lying: He wrote a fake letter pretending to be Edgar planning to harm Gloucester.
Acting: He faked an attack, pretending Edgar tried to kill him.
Twisting words: He told Edgar to flee, further making him look guilty.
Preying on doubts: He exploited Gloucester's existing distrust of Edgar.
5. “ somebody has told him lies about me.” comment
Edgar said that to Edmund when Edmund warned him that Glouceter, his father was
very upset and angry and he wanted to punish him.
6. Greed is clearly represented in the characters of Goneril, Regan
and Edmond. Discuss
Goneril, Regan, and Edmund all want more.
Goneril and Regan: More power, land, and control. They lie to their father and treat him
terribly just to get it.
Edmund: More status and inheritance. He betrays his own family to climb the social
ladder.
7. Do you think Cordelia's answer to king Lear’s test of love was
true? Why and why not?
Cordelia's answer was honestly spoken, reflecting her sincere affection based on their
bond. However, King Lear expected grand declarations, so he misinterpreted her
truthfulness as coldness.