King Lear 4.5 Quotes

‘your sister is the better soldier’

Oswald— he means Goneril is the better soldier than Albany, but also reminds the audience of Cordelia

‘What might import my sister’s letter to him?’

Regan— she is suspicious of Goneril and the letter Oswald is carrying, further emphasising the new divide between them and foreshadowing the future conflict.

‘It was great ignorance, Gloucester’s eyes being out, to let him live’

Regan— saying they should have killed Gloucester, as now he ‘moves all hearts against us’— saying that it is not good for their public image because of what they did to him. This demonstrates Regan’s sadism.

‘My lady charged my duty in this business’

Oswald— he is following orders, which links to the idea of service and Oswald’s obedience, no matter what Goneril asks him to do

‘If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor, preferment falls on him that cuts him off’

Regan— Oswald wants to kill Gloucester now, because he believes he will be rewarded (Edgar will defend Gloucester however)