King Lear Act One Quotes

Flashcards of quotes from Act One of King Lear for Exam 1.

Know that we have divided / In three our kingdom. ” (Lear)

Lear's decision to split his kingdom triggers the tragic events of the play.

Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! Rage! Blow!”

Lear challenges the storm, treating it as a reflection of his own inner turmoil.

You cataracts and hurricanoes, spout / Till you have drenched our steeples,

drowned the cocks!” ,

Scene 2)

The storm is a symbol of the kingdom’s breakdown and Lear’s emotional

collapse.

Which of you shall we say doth love us most?” (Lear)

His love test shows his vanity and need for flattery.

Nothing will come of nothing: speak again. ” (Lear)

Lear’s reaction to Cordelia’s refusal to flatter him and foreshadows his downfall.

I love your majesty / According to my bond; no more nor less. ” (Cordelia)

Cordelia’s honest response, which angers Lear.

Come not between the dragon and his wrath. ” (Lear)

Lear warns Kent not to interfere, exhibiting excessive and irrational rage.

The bow is bent and drawn; make from the shaft. ” (Lear)

Lear threatens Kent, showing his impulsiveness.

See better, Lear, and let me still remain / The true blank of thine eye. ” (Kent)

Kent urges Lear to see the truth and not be blinded by flattery.

Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich, being poor; / Most choice, forsaken; and most loved, despised!” (France)

The King of France praises Cordelia’s honesty, in contrast to Lear’s rejection.

We must do something, and i’ th’ heat. ” (Goneril)

Goneril immediately begins plotting against Lear.

The best and soundest of his time hath been but rash. ” (Goneril)

Goneril claims Lear has always been impulsive, justifying her betrayal.

Old fools are babes again. ” (Goneril)

Goneril treats Lear as senile and powerless.

Thou, nature, art my goddess; to thy law / My services are bound. ” (Edmund)

Edmund rejects social order and embraces ruthless self-interest.

Legitimate Edgar, I must have your land. ” (Edmund)

Edmund plots to betray his brother Edgar.

A credulous father! and a brother noble, / Whose nature is so far from doing harms. ” (Edmund)

Edmund mocks Gloucester and Edgar for being naive.

I grow; I prosper. / Now, gods, stand up for bastards!” (Edmund)

Edmund challenges the natural order and celebrates his ambition.

These late eclipses in the sun and moon portend no good to us. ” (Gloucester)

Gloucester superstitiously blames cosmic forces for his misfortunes.

This is the excellent foppery of the world. ” (Edmund)

Edmund mocks people who blame fate instead of their own actions.

Dost thou call me fool, boy?” (Lear)

Lear questions the Fool, but the Fool speaks truth through wit.

How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is / To have a thankless child!” (Lear)

Lear laments Goneril’s ingratitude.

I did her wrong. ” (Lear)

Lear begins to regret his treatment of Cordelia.

O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven!” (Lear)

Lear's first fearful realisation of his declining mental state.

Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst been wise. ” (Fool)

The Fool criticises Lear for giving up his power foolishly.

Have more than thou showest, / Speak less than thou knowest. ” (Fool)

A lesson in wisdom and survival, contrasting Lear’s rashness.

Tis the infirmity of his age; yet he hath ever but slenderly known himself. ” (Regan)

Regan claims Lear has never been self-aware, justifying their betrayal.

If thou wert my fool, nuncle, I’d have thee beaten for being old before thy time. ” (Fool)

The Fool mocks Lear’s poor judgment in relinquishing his power.

O let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven” (Lear)

Lear pleads with the heavens to keep him sane.