King Lear
act 1 (modeL answer)
Answer the following questions:
1- What was the decision king Lear made regarding his kingdom? Why did
he decide this?
King Lear decided to share his kingdom with his three daughters: Goneril,
Regan, and Cordelia. He wanted to stop being king and thought this would
make him happy. He wanted to hear nice things about how much they loved
him.
4- What did Lear expect to hear from Cordelia when he asked her how
much she loved him? Why did he expect this? How did he react to her
answer?
King Lear asked Cordelia how much she loved him. He expected her to say
very nice things, like Goneril and Regan did. But Cordelia said she loved him
as a daughter should. Lear got upset and thought she didn’t love him at all and
banished her.
10- Discuss the two men who initially wanted to marry Cordelia. Who
married her, and why?
1. Duke of Burgundy: He was a rich and powerful man. He wanted to marry
Cordelia because he thought she was beautiful and would be a good wife.
However, when King Lear disowned Cordelia and took away her money, the
duke decided not to marry her anymore. He wanted a wife with money.
2. King of France: He was also a strong and noble man. He liked Cordelia for
her kindness and honesty. When Lear disowned her, the King of France still
wanted to marry her. He saw her true value, not just her wealth. He loved
her for who she was, so he married her despite her being without a dowry.
In the end, Cordelia married the King of France because he appreciated her
character and loved her truly.
11- How did Goneril treat her father after she received half of his kingdom?
After Goneril got part of Lear’s kingdom, she treated him badly. She started to
ignore him and was not kind. She wanted more power and became very mean.
Comment on the following quotations:
1- “Dearer than eyesight, space, and freedom; beyond what can be valued, rich
or rare; more than life, with grace, health, beauty, honor; as much as a
child loved.”
Goneril said to her father (King Lear) When he asks them to tell him how
much they love him and she replied with sweet words to flatter him and take
the largest portion from the kingdom.
4- “I will take what has been thrown away, and with a new feeling of love
greater than before, having seen this quality in you.”
The King of France Said to Cordelia After Lear disowns Cordelia, after Lear's
decision He wants to express that he values Cordelia more now because he sees
her true worth, even after she has lost her father's favor.
6- “Reverse your judgement on your loving daughter. She doesn’t love you
least.”
Kent said to King Lear After Lear disowns Cordelia. Kent wants Lear to
understand that Cordelia loves him deeply, even if she did not flatter him like
the others.
8- “I am sorry, then. You have lost a father, and you must lose a husband.”
Duke of Burgundy said to Cordelia when he knows that the king disowns her
and she hadn’t any dowry so he decided to leave her and not to marry her.
11-“His behavior is growing worse every moment, and his knights are getting
out of control.”
Goneril said these words to Oswald (her servant) As they discuss Lear’s
behavior, they are talking about how Lear is becoming more unstable and how
it affects everyone around him, showing their concern about his mental state.
She is trying to get him out from the palace.
