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King Lear act 2 summary & quotes
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These notes include quotes, context and analysis of all scenes in act 2 of King Lear. notes come from a variety of sources and got me an A in A-Level English literature!
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King Lear- Act 2written by
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King Lear
Act 2 Scene 1
- The tension between the two sisters foreshadows the eventual failure of power-sharing,
“the Duke of Cornwall and Regan his Duchess will be here with him this night.” By
establishing the situation, Shakespeare builds dramatic tension as he shows the parallel
ingratitude of Regan. However, because of the premature arrival of Lear, Regan asserts her
authority be ensuring she was not home when he came. The parallel cruelty of Regan and
Goneril emphasises the error of judgement.
- The implications of subterfuge / rumour “Have you heard of no likely wars toward, ‘twixt
the Dukes of Cornwall and Albany?” evokes the upset in the natural order, which stems
from Lear’s error of judgement
- Edmund’s unnatural behaviour, “I must draw my sword upon you” may be the result of his
illegitimate birth
- The image of self-mutilation, “Some blood drawn on me” emphasises Edmund’s unnatural
action. Edmund is a stock villainous figure
- The purpose of this scene is to parallel Gloucester with Lear. Gloucester’s exaggerated
gullibility suggests that he is an exaggerated reflection of Lear. The immediacy of
Gloucester’s reaction, “Now Edmund, where’s the villain?” emphasises his gullibility
- Edmund ironically references the gods despite his earlier mocking, “I told him the revenging
Gods/ Gainst parricides did all the thunder bend”. Edmund references the gods for his own
Machiavellian purposes
- The structural dovetailing, “Enter Cornwall, Regan and Attendants” creates parallels
between the scheming of Edmund and the scheming in the Lear household
- The poignant use of repetition and images of cracking, “O madam, my old heart is crack’d,
its crack’d” emphasises the disorder and perepetia of both Lear and Gloucester
- The questions, “He whom my father nam’d your Edgar?” creates dramatic irony as Regan
affects concern. She will eventually be part of Gloucester’s blinding and will show no
affection for Learn (hypocrisy / duplicity)
- The use of questions, “Was he not companion with the riotous knights?” verbally echoes
Goneril’s criticisms. (foreshadowing) The sense of growing isolation increases sympathy for
Lear. The pathos emphasises the tragic emotions
- Regan dominates the scene. The man-like dominance of the two sisters subverts the
traditional view of womanhood and suggests the overthrowing of natural order
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