King Lear 4.4 Quotes

‘Crowned with rank fumiter and furrow-weeds’

Cordelia— there is a parallel between this and 1.1, as Lear sees himself as beneath his past self because of the mistakes he has made. The weeds may suggest the rejection of civilisation and the disorder, and also links to the idea of the ‘superflux’ and having lots of excess things (which the crown and being king symbolise)

‘A century send forth’

Cordelia— these are healing plants, associating her with hospitality and warmth.

‘Be aidant and remediate’

Cordelia— again the idea that she is healing, and is a good character.

‘The British powers are marching hitherward’

Messenger— plot update and gives a sense of the impending conflict and the climax of the tragedy.