King Lear 4.7 Quotes

‘Be better suited’

Cordelia— she is saying to Kent that he should put on some better clothes and restore his identity, but Kent wants to remain in disguise— ‘Yet to be known shortens my made intent’

‘cure this great breach in his abused nature’

Cordelia— using healing language still, idea of her being there to restore Lear to his rightful position (‘cure’ him)

‘child-changed father’

Cordelia— there is pity for Lear, as he has suffered at the hands of his daughters

‘restoration hang Thy medicine on my lips’ ‘repair those violent harms my two sisters in this reverence made’

Cordelia— more healing language, idea of the cruelty of Regan and Goneril in contrast to the kindness of Cordelia

‘how fares your majesty?’

Cordelia— restoration of kingly identity and natural order. However, Lear is not interested in being king, and only cares that Cordelia forgives him

‘Thou art a soul of bliss’

Lear— Christian imagery. Lear sees himself as being punished in a classical hell— ‘I am bound Upon a wheel of fire’, ‘scold like molten lead’

‘Cordelia kneels’

Stage direction— parent child bond is restored, as well as natural order. Lear attempts to kneel to Cordelia, and this echoes him sarcastically kneeling to Regan in 2.2.343, however the fact that it is now genuine demonstrates Lear’s anagnorisis.

‘I am a very foolish fond old man’

Lear— self knowledge and acceptance— he has clear sight and his perception of reality has been restored from being previously blinded by rage and suffering

‘I am a man, and I believe this lady to be my daughter Cordelia’

Lear— this is a recognition, and clear sight

‘the great rage you see in him is killed’

Gentleman— describing Lear’s madness and tragic rage as almost like an affliction, which has now been cured