1. King Lear
Act 1 : Key Points for Consideration
Act 1 establishes two parallel plots. The first is set in motion by Lear’s desire to relinquish his throne in favour of his daughters. The second concerns the Gloucester family and is the story of a brother who sets out to fool father and rob his sibling of his inheritance.
The ceremonial atmosphere of Scene 1 thinly hides the absurdity of the ‘love trial’ set up by Lear for his daughters. The ritual is fractured by Cordelia’s refusal to conform to her father’s will. Even when urged to “see better”, Lear cannot separate pretence from reality. Unable to distinguish truth from flattery, he rejects both his loyal daughter and loyal courtier, Kent.
Lear’s blindness to the truth initiates important themes of the play, appearance versus reality, and both physical and moral blindness which will appear as metaphors and motifs throughout the play.

2. Scene 2 introduces the Gloucester plot, echoing themes already established: sibling rivalry and the relationship between parent and child. The similarities between Lear and Gloucester are evident. Both mistake what they hear for the truth, and are swift to believe ill of a beloved child, blind to the reality before them.
The remaining scenes return to the Lear plot. Lear is angered by his eldest daughter’s challenge to his authority, and in his violent reaction to Goneril’s remonstrance he begins to recognise his mistake. Throughout, the Fool comments sardonically on all he sees and hears. He persistently emphasises that Lear’s own folly is responsible for his distress.
Expecting support from his second daughter, Lear sets out to lodge with Regan, and the Fool points out to hims what is already obvious to the audience : Regan has professed herself to be ‘of that self-mettle’ as her sister.
Act 1 establishes the characters and their good or bad natures. The disloyal and power hungry children have deceived Lear and Gloucester; their tragic journeys have begun in earnest.

3. Homework – Due Wednesday 10th October
Look closely at Edmund’s opening soliloquy from Act 1 Scene2.
Write an analysis of this speech taking into account:
What is revealed about Edmund’s character
The language used and its effect
It is advisable to track (work through it in order) through the soliloquy to which will make it easier for you to structure your response.