I never shall endure her. Dear my lord, Be not familiar with her.
(Regan, lines 15–16)
I had rather lose the battle than that sister Should loosen him and me. (Goneril, lines 18–19)
To both these sisters have I sworn my love; Each jealous of the other, as the stung Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take? Both? One? Or neither? Neither can be enjoyed If both remain alive.
(Edmund, lines 56–60)
The battle done, and they within our power, Shall never see his pardon.
(Edmund, lines 68–69)
Questions:
In each case, support your point with suitable reference to and quotation from the play.
1. What is Albany’s attitude towards the impending battle? 2. What are Goneril and Regan most concerned with at this time? 3. What does Edmund’s soliloquy tell us about his plans?
? Writing task
You have been asked to suggest three visual images to accompany an audio reading of this scene. Describe the images you would choose and explain your choices with reference to the text.
