1. Imagine you are directing a performance of this play. What tone would you instruct the actor playing Lear to use for the line ‘Poor naked wretches, whereso’er you are, / That bide the pelting of this pitiless storm’: pity, sorrow or anger? Explain your answer.
2. What do you think Lear might mean when he says ‘But where the greater malady is fixed / The lesser is scarce felt’?
3. In your opinion, does the fact that this scene takes place in a storm add to its impact? Give two reasons for your answer.
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4. What is your impression of the relationship between King Lear and Kent? Explain your answer.
5. Select a scene from a play you have studied. Imagine that you have been asked to recreate a performance of this scene on stage. How would you bring the scene to life? Use the following prompts to guide you.
Costume Lighting Sound effects Music Backdrop Stage direction Props
Create
Imagine you are Kent. Write an email to King Lear’s two eldest daughters, Goneril and Regan. Tell them about his condition and let them know what you think of their actions towards their father. Remember to include the features in the checklist below.
