King Lear Act 1 Scene

1270 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Critically comment on character of kent in king lear

King Lear Act 1 Scene

What impact did Act 1 Scene 1 of King Lear have on you?

The first scene of the first act of King Lear had a genuinely dramatic affect upon me.

This first glimpse into the world of Lear and his subordinates sets the premise for the whole play, unravelling within the first few pages, themes which I believe will become increasingly evident. The scene opens with the introduction of three characters – Kent, Gloucester and Edmund. Of these three characters the only one who seems not to have been shown in an unfavourable light yet, by this brief introduction, is Kent. This could be intentional to set It is made clear Edmund is a bastard, and therefore illegible for proper acknowledgement as the son of an Earl. Gloucester is no less tarnished as he admits he is embarrassed by having an illegitimate child (“I have so often blushed to acknowledge him..”) and also insults Edmund’s mother and, Edmund, with further ‘banter’.

This makes ones opinion of a noble Earl degrade to the point where he should be also seen as a scoundrel, yet his attitudes and loyalty towards the King have not as yet been questioned. In spite of this the language is merry and seems to set the scene for a joyous event in the royal court – the division of the kingdom among Lear’s beloved daughters. After this short interlude between the Earl’s, Lear appears and begins to make his proclamation. Lear declares that it is his intention to hand over his land and the affairs of state to his three daughters – Goneril, Regan and Cordelia. Although in doing this he still clearly announces that he will remain King of England, if in title only. He has divided his realm in three and wishes his daughter’s to vie for his affection so that whoever shows with words that they love him most, will receive the most “opulent” share of the land. Lear speaks of a “largest bounty”, which when remembering the words of Gloucester from line 3 indicates that he has already decided who shall gain what share of his realm. Also with relation to the words of Gloucester we know that the best share of the land is meant for Cordelia. With his first line he shows that not even the Earl’s knew of his “darker purpose”, which was to get each of his progeny to profess their love for him. This seems like a way to build his ego, which with his pride is in abundance. Goneril is the first to speak and when sh...

... middle of paper ...

...hildren; regardless of his harsh treatment such is her love. The constant use of the imagery relating to jewels and precious metals is ironic as many of the characters are shaded in darkness and covered with deception. Her sisters are quick to bid her adieu, as they realise now, with their greatest obstacle removed, they can begin to manipulate Lear uninterrupted. And with that the scene ends leading us to digest a variety of colourful and contrasting imagery. We see a parallel plot with the theme of Family running alongside the tale of King Lear with Gloucester and his sons, this is sure to develop. We also see the introduction of deceit from his eldest daughters, the defence of Cordelia by Lear’s friend, Kent and his subsequent banishment. Burgundy portrays the greed incarnate to man and his want for material goods. Lear is pride and the King of France is honour and compassion. Within these first few pages of the play we gain an insight into the world of Lear and the human psyche as all our mental components seem to be put on display by Shakespeare. This scene contains many emotions but has an underlying poignancy, because we know and can suspect that the tragedy has only begun.

Show More
Related

  • Ventilator Associated Pneumonia ( Vap )

    709 Words  | 2 Pages

    Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains to be a common and potentially serious complication of ventilator care often confronted within an intensive care unit (ICU). Ventilated and intubated patients present ICU physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists with the unique challenge to integrate evidence-informed practices surrounding the delivery of high quality care that will decrease its occurrence and frequency. Mechanical intubation negates effective cough reflexes and hampers mucociliary clearance of secretions, which cause leakage and microaspiration of virulent bacteria into the lungs. VAP is the most frequent cause of nosocomial infections and occurs within 48 hours of intubation. VAP is a major health care burden with its increased morbidity, mortality, longer ventilator days and hospital stay, and escalating health care cost.

    Read More

  • Essay Comparing King Lear And Frankenstein

    1827 Words  | 4 Pages

    With Cordelia declared as banished, Lear states, “With my two daughters’ dowers digest the third...Only we shall retain The name and all th’ addition to a king. The sway, revenue, execution of the rest, Beloved sons, be yours” (Shakespeare 17). Lear’s fault here is that he believes that he can divide up his kingdom to his daughters and still retain the title as king; he wants to retire his position and responsibilities as a king but still remain respected and treated as one. His flaw in wanting to be superior leads to his downfall, as he is so blinded by his greed that he decides to divide up his kingdom to his two daughters who are as hungry for power as he is. They only want to strip him of his position and respect to gain more influence. Lear, not realizing the impact of such an impulsive decision, descends into madness when his daughters force him out of his home. After being locked out of his only shelter by his daughters, he states, “Filial ingratitude!...In such a night To shut me out?...O Regan, Goneril, Your old kind father whose frank heart gave all! O that way madness lies. Let me shun that; No more of that” (Shakespeare 137). Lear becomes fully aware of the consequences of his actions. He realizes how ungrateful his daughters are and how they have treated him unfairly even though he has given them everything; much to his dismay, he is left with

    Read More

  • Disobedience in William Shakespeare's King Lear

    1686 Words  | 4 Pages

    "Unhappy that I am I cannot heave My heart into my mouth. I love your Majesty According to my bond; nor more nor less. " I.i.87-89 Cordelia's refusal to flatter her father during the love test may suggest to the audience that she is not only disobeying her father, but also committing political sui... ... middle of paper ... ..., is one of great pain and sorrow. It eventually leads Lear to madness and it is only then that he sees the true reasons behind his treatment.

    Read More

  • King Lear - Disruption Of Order In King Lear And The Causes

    880 Words  | 2 Pages

    Shakespeare's King Lear is a play which shows the consequences of one man's decisions. The audience follows the main character, Lear, as he makes decisions that disrupt order in his Kingdom. When Lear surrenders all his power and land to his daughters as a reward for their demonstration of love towards him, the breakdown on order in evident. Lear's first mistake is to divide his Kingdom into three parts. A Kingdom is run best under one ruler as only one decision is made without contradiction. Another indication that order is disrupted is the separation of Lear's family. Lear's inability to control his anger causes him to banish his youngest daughter, Cordelia, and loyal servant, Kent. This foolish act causes Lear to become vulnerable to his other two daughters as they conspire against him. Lastly, the transfer of power from Lear to his eldest and middle daughter, Goneril and Regan, reveals disorder as a result of the division of the Kingdom. A Kingdom without order is a Kingdom in chaos. When order is disrupted in King Lear, the audience witnesses chaotic events that Lear endures, eventually learning who truly loves him.

    Read More

  • Essay On Hip Hop

    1735 Words  | 4 Pages

    Hip-hop began in the undergrounds in Bronx New York in the early 1970s and has gradually grown to become mainstream music. According to Lori Selke a professional writer for Global post, “hip-hop is the term that refers to more than just a musical genre; it includes culture, dance, art, and even fashion” (Selke). Since it originated in the 1970’s, hip-hop has had profound influence on society, and has grown into the lives of listeners worldwide; hip-hop’s influential power is astonishing. Within the last decade, hip-hop artist like Jay-Z, Nas, and Young Jeezy helped to increase voting in the 2008 presidential campaign by informing a hip hop audience consisting of a majority of African Americans on soon to be 44th President of the United States, by using their voice and lyrics as their tool to encouraging people to stand up for a change by voting. According to Emmett Price in his book Hip Hop Culture (2006), “in the early years prior to the rise of recorded rap music via Sugar Hill Gang’s controversial “Rapper’s Delight” (1979) hip-hop was a growing culture driven by self-determination, a love for life, and a desire to have fun [through entertaining fans and expressing themself].” (Price) Although artists today accomplish the same things, the focus of the lyrics has changed consisting of “extolling violence, drug and alcohol use, and detailing sexual exploits” (Selke). If one were to observe the most popular music from artist in the 80’s until now, they would notice a definitive change in its overall message. If hip-hop continues on its current route it will become a musical genre known solely for its references to sex, drugs, and violence.

    Read More

  • King Lear Essay

    1236 Words  | 3 Pages

    King Lear is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. It is a play that portrayed a world too cruel and unmerciful to be true to life. It is a play filled with endless horror and unrelieved suffering. However, in this environment, Shakespeare expresses human existence in its profound depth. He examines the motivation of the characters’ actions and the future consequences of their irrational thoughts. In the play, Shakespeare illustrates King Lear’s development as a tragic hero driven by emotion to a character of rational thoughts with the help of his reasonable daughter, Cordelia, and the contrast of the ambiguous Edmund. In the play, Shakespeare analyzes the characters’ emotional needs and their ability to resolve their problems with rational actions. He shows the consequences of acting rashly and irresponsibly through the sufferings of King Lear. He explores the struggle for power and the emotional need of a tired king. He created a play that illustrated the needs of reason and emotion for a human being.

    Read More

  • Shakespeare's King Lear - Suffering of Cordelia in King Lear

    1509 Words  | 4 Pages

    It is noteworthy that none of the truly evil characters in the drama have yet taken a conscious initiative. Up to this point everything centers around the interaction of Lear, Cordelia and Kent and all the terrible sufferings which follow have their source in this encounter. To rightly comprehend King Lear, we must see the true significance of the court and the direct relationship between it and the tragedy that follows. We must discover the source of the great intensity and direction which finds expression in the action of the drama, and carries it to its inexorable conclusion.

    Read More

  • freed

    1091 Words  | 3 Pages

    In act one, the setting is the King’s palace, here Lear is at his highest. He is on his throne, in his kingdom and he has supremacy over all. Shakespeare begins to develop Lear’s ego when saying, “Give the map there, know that we have divided in three our kingdom” (1.1.37). What Shakespeare does in this line is introduce Lear as a powerful king. Lear wants his daughters to stroke his ego for a piece of his kingdom. His conceited nature fuels his ego. King Lear is the conceited character, he thinks of himself as invincible. Lear thinks of his youngest daughter Cordelia as a traitor when she would not flatter him. Why would a man so powerful be offended by his daughters refusal to praise him? This is Shakespeare’s first step into Lear’s downward spiral. In this moment Lear went from all-powerful King to just ‘Dad’, Cordelia’s innocent nature struck his autocratic ego. Lear still wounded by Cordelia’s refusal says, “Better thou hadst not been born than not t’have pleased me better”. Kent, the kings steadfast supporter urges the Lear to reconsider but Lear refuses saying, “Peace, Kent! Come not between the dragon and his wrath!”(1.1.120). The dis...

    Read More

  • The Renaissance: A Time Period

    78 Words  | 1 Pages

    The Renaissance was a time period where ideas, poetry, inventions, and even new religions where released into the world. This time period lasted from the 14th century to the 17th century, where people like Shakespeare, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo are well known. The Renaissance began in the 1300s in Europe and lasted into the last 1600s. By the ended of the Renaissance word and ideas had been spread around the world to different nations, continents, and even countries.

    Read More

  • Arguments Against Physician Assisted Suicide

    1169 Words  | 3 Pages

    The argument to be addressed in this research paper is physician-assisted suicide in the United States. Should terminally ill patients be legally allowed to choose when to end their own lives through a physician-assisted suicide in the United States? Why should people be denied the right to do with their bodies what they want? With a consent given, is it wrong for doctors is able to help people to do this in a safe and controlled environment? If we disallow people the ability to do this we could be perpetuating the suffering of the terminally ill. Some cases where the patient is terminally ill and death is imminent, people may be in favor of it. Some people want to end their suffering and feel people should choose when to end their own life.

    Read More

  • the renaissance

    522 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Renaissance was known rebirth of learning that contributed to the exploration of new forms of artwork and literature(pg.37). The rebirth took place in the middle ages , this is recently after the plague had passed and people want to now celebrate life because the had survived a massive epidemic(pg.37). This is the time in history where people started to question the church and all of there beliefs and Artist discover a new way to add detail to the art work and writing has taken on a life of it's own. these event greatly impacted how Europe was seen to themselves and the rest of the world(pg.37).

    Read More

  • The Importance Of Ventilator

    1184 Words  | 3 Pages

    “As the conditions that warranted placing the patient on the ventilator stabilize and begin to resolve, attention should be placed on removing the ventilator as quickly as possible.” (MacIntyre, 375-396) This statement is true because the rate of complication...

    Read More

  • Nursing Diagnosis

    882 Words  | 2 Pages

    Nursing Diagnosis I for Patient R.M. is ineffective airway clearance related to retained secretions. This is evidenced by a weak unproductive cough and by both objective and subjective data. Objective data includes diagnosis of pneumonia, functional decline, and dyspnea. Subjective data include the patient’s complaints of feeling short of breath, even with assistance with basic ADLs. This is a crucial nursing diagnosis as pneumonia is a serious condition that is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States and the number one cause of death from infectious diseases (Lemon, & Burke, 2011). It is vital to keep the airway clear of the mucus that may be produced from the inflammatory response of pneumonia. This care plan is increasingly important because of R.M.'s state of functional decline; he is unable to perform ADL and to elicit a strong cough by himself due to his slouched posture. Respiratory infections and in this case, pneumonia, will further impair the airway (Lemon, & Burke, 2011). Because of the combination of pneumonia and R.M's other diagnoses of lifelong asthma, it is imperative that the nursing care plan of ineffective airway clearance be carried out. The first goal of this care plan was to have the patient breathe deeply and cough to remove secretions. It is important that the nurse help the patient deep breathe in an upright position; this is the best position for chest expansion, which promotes expansion and ventilation of all lung fields (Sparks and Taylor, 2011). It is also important the nurse teach the patient an easily performed cough technique and help mobilize the patient with ADL's. This helps the patient learn to cough and clear their airways without fatigue (Sparks a...

    Read More

  • Shakespeare's King Lear - The Redemption of King Lear

    740 Words  | 2 Pages

    It is said that no other playwright illustrates the human condition like William Shakespeare. Furthermore, it is said that no other play illustrates the human condition like King Lear. The story of a bad king who becomes a good man is truly one of the deepest analyses of humanity in literary history; and it can be best seen through the evolution of Lear himself. In essence, King Lear goes through hell in order to compensate for his sins.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Love In King Lear

    1471 Words  | 3 Pages

    Shakespeare expresses two major themes in King Lear: love and wisdom. King Lear’s struggle to recognize authentic love, love himself, and acknowledge the wisdom imparted on him, due to his weak emotional state, results in needless conflicts and the deaths of many. In the first scene of King Lear, Lear reveals his plan to split his kingdom between his daughters by asking them how much they love him. The daughter that proves she loves him the most receives the largest portion of the kingdom (1.1.46-50). Kent intends to calm Lear down, yet Lear’s unstable emotions at the time lead to him thrashing out against Kent, even threatening him.

    Read More

More about King Lear Act 1 Scene

Open Document