2. Act one begins with Kent and Gloucester talking about how King Lear is going to divide the kingdom, but soon after they begin to talk about Gloucester's son Edmund who he reveals to Kent is a bastard child, but he still loves him as much as his other son. King Lear announces that he wishes to divide the kingdom into three equal parts, for each of his daughters. However, he is requiring his daughters to tell him which one loves him the most because he will give the most land to the one who claims to love him the most. Two of his daughters, Regan and Goneril immediately say that they love him the most but Lear's other daughter Cordelia refuses to express her love, but then she finally insists that Goneril and Regan cannot possibly love him that much otherwise they would not be married. Because of this Lear gets angry and banishes Cordelia. Kent tells Lear that he should not have rewarded his daughters because he thinks Cordelia loves Lear the most, he then also banishes Kent. The Duke of Burgundy no longer wishes to marry Cordelia because she will not inherit any land, but the King of France would still like to marry her. Regan and Goneril plan to reduce what little power their father has. Edmund vents to the audience about how society treats bastard children, and then plots to retain whatever his brother land or power his brother was to inherit. He creates a fake letter to make it look like Edgar was planning to kill their father Gloucester, and makes sure it gets delivered to Gloucester. Lear is spending time with Goneril and she wishes to cause trouble so she tells her servants to be rude to King Lear. Kent disguises himself as a servant at Goneril's castle and aids King Lear. The fool arrives and also tells Lear that he is foolish to give his power to Regan and Goneril. Goneril orders that Lear get rid of half of his knights as they are disorderly, Lear is beginning to regret giving power to Goneril and decides to go live with Regan at her castle instead.
3. I think the parallel that Shakespeare is trying to draw between Lear's situation and Gloucester's is very interesting. Both men have children who are dishonest and will do anything to get what they want, which in both cases is land and other inheritances. For Lear this is his two scheming daughters Regan and Goneril. For Gloucester this is his illegitimate son Edmund. Lear's daughter Cordelia however, refuses to tell her father how much she loves him even if it means not getting her share or money or land. This is exemplified in lines 95-99 where Cordelia states, "unhappy that I am, I cannot heave my heart unto my mouth: I love your majesty according to my bond; nor more nor less." Lear replies with, " How, how, Cordelia! mend your speech a little, lest it may mar your fortunes." Lear is extremely angered at the idea that Cordelia will not tell him how great her love is, and banishes her. Many people including Kent, one of Lear's trusted friends warns him that he was foolish to reward the false confessions of love from Regan and Goneril. I think this could be Shakespeare possibly setting up Lear's tragic downfall. As for Gloucester, his mistake in trusting Edmund could be where Shakespeare is setting up this character for doom.
4. a) Did Shakespeare intend for the opening scene to be taken literally or symbolically?
b) In Edmund's speech to the audience, is Shakespeare trying to develop a pathos for him through pointing out his need to be accepted as a bastard child?
c) How does King Lear not realize his mistake in trusting his two evil daughters as opposed to Cordelia even after it is brought to his attention by a long time trusted friend such as Kent?
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