All the power of his wits have given way to his impatience.
(Kent, lines 4–5) Is there any cause in nature that makes these hard-hearts? (Lear, lines 75–76)
How light and portable my pain seems now, When that which makes me bend makes the King bow. He childed as I fathered.
(Edgar, lines 107–109)
Questions:
In each case, support your point with suitable reference to and quotation from the play.
1. What does the mock trial tell us about Lear’s attitude towards his daughters? 2. How do Gloucester, Kent and Edgar show their loyalty to Lear in this scene?
3. What signs are there in this scene that the Fool’s role in the play is coming to an end?
4. Why do you think the Fool’s role is coming to an end?
? Writing task
The theme of your school magazine’s upcoming issue is ‘Laughter through the tears’. You have been asked to contribute an article in which you explain how authors can successfully use humour to convey serious points. You have chosen this scene from King Lear to illustrate your case. Write the article you would submit.
