Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! Rage! Blow! You cataracts and hurricanoes, spout Till you have drenched our steeples, drowned the cocks! (Lear, lines 1–3)
I tax not you, you elements, with unkindness; I never gave you kingdom, called you children (Lear, lines 16–17)
I am a man
More sinned against than sinning. (Lear, lines 59–60)
Questions:
In each case, support your point with suitable reference to and quotation from the play.
1. Lear is so distressed and furious that he wants the whole world to end. What does this tell you about his view of himself and his place in the world?
2. In what way is Lear beginning to gain wisdom through suffering? 3. Do you think Lear has accepted his role in his downfall? Explain your answer.
? Writing task
Imagine you are the Fool and you have been given the opportunity to abandon your role as jester in order to speak plainly to Lear. Based on this scene, what would you tell him about the mistakes he has made so far, and what advice would you give him?
