1. Nothing will come of nothing, speak again: 1.1

2. Stuck on plot? 1-33: Kent and Gloucester speculate about who Lear favors; Gloucester makes a lewd joke about his illegitimate son, though he loves Edmund as much as his legitimate son 34-95: Lear announces ‘retirement’ and prompts his daughters to proclaim their love for him. Regan and Goneril brown nose and Cordelia nervously gasps asides. 96-213: Cordelia does not ‘fluff’ her public speech which pisses Lear off and he strips her of a dowry, much to the dismay of Kent who vocalizes his opinion only to be banished!

3. Stuck on plot? 214- 309 Cordelia’s suitors- France and Burgundy are summoned to consider their options now that Cordelia is disinherited. Burgundy is clearly a gold digger, while France finds something honest and noble in Cordelia and decides to marry her. 310-end: After Cordelia reminds her sisters of their claims (that Dad is awesome and a man to be loved!) she exits and Goneril and Regan note Lear’s rash behavior and resolve to monitor it as they care for him, swapping each month.

4. Regan Goneril What issues might arise by willfully giving up power to your children? What tensions might arise by placing yourself solely in the care of your children? (Think about your grandparents here) What do you make of Lear in the opening Act? Are you sympathetic of Cordelia or is she unnecessarily heartless?