King Lear
Dramatis Personae | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5
2.1 | 2.2 (part 1) | 2.2, part 2
3.1 | 3.2 | 3.3 | 3.4 | 3.5 | 3.6
THE STORY SO FAR: Having given up his powers as king, Lear goes to stay with his eldest daughter, Goneril. Unfortunately she takes issue with the large number of knights accompanying Lear, and asks him to reduce his entourage. Infuriated by this perceived slight to his dignity and position, Lear curses Goneril and storms off to stay with Regan.
This is probably the first scene where we see that Lear's irrational and angry behavior is, perhaps, the sign of something more serious lurking beneath the surface. He speaks in fits and starts, not completing his sentences and rambling. Of course, the fact that the Fool is bombarding him with a series of nonsensical jokes doesn't help matters.
Speaking of jokes, I am really fond of the "Why are the seven stars no more than seven?" joke. I don't know why, but it always makes me laugh. This is probably indicative of my underdeveloped sense of humor.
That's the end of Act 1! I'll have something a bit different upon Monday, as a palate cleanser, and then we'll plunge into the high drama of Act 2 on Wednesday. Have a good weekend!
Oh, before I forget, I ignored my better judgment and signed up on Tumblr, so if you're bored with following me on Facebook and Twitter, come join me over there!
King Lear
Dramatis Personae | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5
2.1 | 2.2 (part 1) | 2.2, part 2
3.1 | 3.2 | 3.3 | 3.4 | 3.5 | 3.6