An Investigation of Shakespearean Syntax and Dialect through King Lear Kameron Keoho

Easy Quiz What are King Lear’s daughters’ names? Which one does he exile, and why? Which one of Lear’s counselors reprimands the king for exiling his daughter? What happened to that guy? Who is Gloucester’s illegitimate son? Who is his legit son? What does Goneril demand Lear to do when he visits her?

Answers for Easy Quiz Goneril, Regan, & Cordelia. He exiles Cordelia. Kent He too, is exiled Edmund. Edgar. She demands that he lay off like 50 of his knights

“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind; and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.” –William Shakespeare

“Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.” –William Shakespeare

The English language has changed since Shakespeare’s time Several words or phrases have different meanings now differences are subtle, yet noticeable

the Early Modern English period existed during the 15th and 16th centuries Shakespeare spoke Early Modern English thus, his plays were written in Early Modern English Shakespearean plays are commonly associated with Early Modern English

Guess the Meaning A word or phrase will be shown on the screen. Teams must attempt to provide definitions

“boy” LEAR Why, my boy? (1.4.105) current Shakespearean a young male, usually a minor a term of familiar address with no necessary reference to age.

“living” FOOL If I gave them all my living, I’d keep my… (1.4.106) Current Shakespearean alive; means by which to support oneself financially; vocation estates; lands; properties

“frontlet” LEAR How now, daughter? What makes that frontlet on? (1.4.180) Shakespearean definition: frown; also, an ornamental band worn on the forehead

“forsooth” FOOL …Yes, forsooth, I will hold my tongue; (1.4.172) Shakespearean definition: truly; verily

“fraught” GONERIL Whereof I know you are fraught, and… (1.4.208) Shakespearean definition: supplied

“epicurism” GONERIL …Epicurism and lust Makes it more like a tavern or a brothel Than a graced palace. (1.4.235-237) Shakespearean definition: gluttony; overindulgence in food

“spleen” LEAR Create her a child of spleen, that it may… (1.4.265) current Shakespearean an organ in the body violent or ill-tempered; brash

having an affection or liking for “fond” LEAR …Old fond eyes, Beweep this cause again, I’ll pluck ye out. (1.4.294) current Shakespearean having an affection or liking for foolish; ignorant

“natural” GLOUCESTER Loyal and natural boy, I’ll work the… (2.1.84) current Shakespearean caused by nature; not caused by humankind properly loving to his father; legitimately born

King Lear Summary & Discussion of Important Events Acts 1 & 2

Act 1 King Lear is old King Lear realizes he’s getting old He decides to give his kingdom to his 3 daughters because he’s old He divides the kingdom based on which daughter says she loves him most. Goneril and Regan kiss up to Lear, lying that they love him more than anything Sir, I do love you more than the word can wield the matter, (1.1.54-55) Cordelia keeps it real: I love your majesty According to my bond, no more nor less. (1.1.92-93)

2 said they loved him a lot 1 said she loved him enough Of Lear’s 3 daughters, 2 said they loved him a lot 1 said she loved him enough King Lear split his kingdom between Goneril and Regan, but Cordelia got nothing because she was honest. Poor Cordelia Kent calls Lear out on this decision: And in thy best consideration check This hideous rashness…. Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least (1.1.151-3) Lear is unhappy about Kent’s statement Out of my sight! (1.1.158) Kent is banished by Lear Away! By Jupiter, this shall not be revoked. (1.1.179-180)

What would you have done if you were one of Lear’s daughters? Discussion Time! What would you have done if you were one of Lear’s daughters? How could Lear have confirmed their love for him? What would have been a better way for Lear to divide his kingdom (other than giving them equal thirds, which seems like what he should have done in the first place)?

Gloucester had two sons: Edmund and Edgar Edgar was legit & Edmund was a bastard child Edmund hated being a bastard child Edmund and Gloucester are talking Edmund deceived his father, Gloucester Edmund faked a letter “from Edgar” The letter stated that Edgar planned to kill Gloucester for his inheritance He made Gloucester believe Edgar was going to kill him

Discussion Question How would you feel if you were a bastard child?

Homework Read King Lear “Act 3” (pp. 259-303) After some careful consideration, I have decided to waive this week’s reflection/vocabulary assignment Instead, write a paper (one page minimum) comparing a character from King Lear to any character from Parallel Myths Also, bring a breakfast item to share with the class