 |
|
|
| Act 2, scene 2 - 407-456 |
|
2. We pick up the scene after Goneril’s dismissive 'At your choice, sir' in answer to Lear’s passionate, defiant refusal to consider returning to her. This provokes in Lear a speech of considerable complexity.
a. Look at lines 407 - 409:
|
Now I prithee, daughter, do not make me mad:
I will not trouble thee, my child. Farewell:
We'll no more meet, no more see one another.
|
|
| |
Which of the following words do you think best captures the tone of these lines:
Fearful
You have seen the real threat Goneril now poses to Lear. He is alarmed by her refusal to behave in a recognisable way as dutiful daughter, loyal subject and obedient, submissive woman. This insubordination seems monstrous to him and he feels he is losing his bearings. He will have to face the gravity of his mistake in dividing the kingdom between Goneril and Regan and casting off Cordelia. The pain of this threatens his sanity. |
Polite
You have spotted how Lear is struggling to establish a new way of relating to a daughter he has always previously been able to command imperiously. Wild curses do not appear to move her and, indeed, it is the icy calm of her response to him that he no doubt recognises as the most immediate threat to his self control. |
Dignified
You have recognised the struggle Lear is making to maintain his sense of himself as king and father. His words are self-controlled and moderate in marked contrast to the terrible violence of his curse in Act 1, Scene 4, to his scalding words against Goneril at lines 351-353, and to the sudden lurch into revulsion in the lines which follow in this extract. |
|
|
 |
 |
| |
|
|
 |
| |
|
|
 |
| |
|
 |
Close pop-up windows |
|
|
|
| Image of crown courtesy of FCIT |
Image courtesy of Theatre South Carolina |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
