King Lear act 4 quotes

I stumbled when i saw - Gloucester

Gloucester admits when he had the benefit of physical sight he made mistakes. Ironically now that he is blind, he has gained true insight and understands the world

The worst is not / so long as we can sat this is the worst - Edgar

Edgar expresses that as long as one can acknowledge their suffering, it is not the end. This reflects a sense of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods; / They kill us for their sport.” – (Gloucester)

Gloucester reflects on the cruelty of fate and the indifference of the gods towards human suffering, likening humanity to flies that are carelessly killed for amusement.

’Tis the time’s plague when madmen lead the blind.” – (Gloucester)

Gloucester laments the chaos in society when those lacking reason or sanity guide those who cannot see, highlighting the danger of misguided leadership and the resulting suffering.

O Goneril! / You are not worth the dust which the rude wind / Blows in your face.” – (Albany)

Albany curses Goneril, saying she is not even worthy of the dust blown in her face, showing his disgust at her actions and betrayal.

Tigers, not daughters, what have you performed?” – (Albany)

Albany accuses Goneril and Regan of being worse than tigers, the fiercest of beasts. He condemns them for their cruel and unnatural actions against their father.

There she shook / The holy water from her heavenly eyes.” – (Gentleman, describing Cordelia

The Gentleman describes Cordelia’s sorrow upon hearing of her father’s madness. The “holy water” refers to her tears, symbolizing her purity and compassion.

No blown ambition doth our arms incite.” - (Cordelia) 

Cordelia has not come to seize land but rather to aid her sick father which is the complete opposite to Edmund, Goneril and Regan.

He was met even now / As mad as the vexed sea.” – (Gentleman, about Lear)

The Gentleman describes Lear’s mental state, suggesting that he is as chaotic and unpredictable as a stormy sea, emphasizing his descent into madne

O dear father, / It is thy business that I go about.” – (Cordelia

Cordelia’s words show her dedication to caring for her father, even in his madness, as she explains that her mission is to restore him and help him recover.