ENG4U Drama Study Unit Name: Drama Study Unit: King Lear

Transcription

1 ENG4U Drama Study Unit Name: Drama Study Unit: King Lear

2 02/22/ :39 PM King Lear 3 (New peare is as well e-eminent Baptized April 26, died April 23, 1616, was an English poet and playwright. Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language, as well as one of the greatest in Western literature and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. tween e plays very few nd his poetic ing he world. ay usage ted about er he was ome or all dia fe by William Shakespeare Biography William Shakespeare (National Portrait Gallery), in the famous Chandos portrait, artist and authenticity unconfirmed. Shakespeare is believed to have produced most of his work between 1586 and 1616, although the exact dates and chronology of the plays attributed to him are often uncertain. He is counted among the very few playwrights who have excelled in both tragedy and comedy, and his plays combine popular appeal with complex characterization, poetic grandeur and philosophical depth. Shakespeare's works have been translated into every major living language, and his plays are continually performed all around the world. In addition, quotations from his plays have passed into everyday usage in many languages. Over the years, many people have speculated about Shakespeare's life, raising questions about his sexuality, whether he was secretly Catholic, and debating whether someone else wrote some or all of his plays and poetry. Early life William Shakespeare (also spelled Shakspere, Shaksper, and Shake-speare, because spelling in Elizabethan times was not fixed and absolute[1]) was born in Henley Street, in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England, in April 1564, the son of John Shakespeare, a successful tradesman and alderman, and of Mary Arden, a daughter of the gentry. Shakespeare's baptismal record dates to April 26 of that year. Because baptisms were performed within a few days of birth, tradition has settled on April 23 (May 4 on the Gregorian calendar) as his birthday. This date provides a convenient symmetry because Shakespeare died on the same day in Image of Shakespeare from the First Folio (1623), the first collected edition of his plays. As the son of a prominent town official, Shakespeare was entitled to attend King Edward VI Grammar School in central Stratford, which may have provided an intensive education in Latin grammar and literature. Also, mainstream scholars assume that Shakespeare was a student at the Stratford Free School, since he would have been entitled to attend it, and textbooks used at the Stratford Free School are alluded to in the plays. At the age of 18, he 02/22/ :39 PM married Anne Hathaway, who was 26, on November 28, 1582 at Temple Grafton, near Stratford. Two neighbours of Anne posted bond that William Shakespeare - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia there were no impediments to the marriage. There appears to have been some haste in arranging the ceremony, presumably due to the fact that Anne was three months pregnant. After his marriage, William Shakespeare left few traces in the historical record until he7.5 appeared Poems on the London theatrical scene. Indeed, the late 1580s are known as Shakespeare's "Lost Years" because no evidence has survived to show 7.6 Apocrypha exactly where he was or why he left Stratford for London. On May 26, 1583, Shakespeare's first child, Susannah, was baptized 8 Notes at Stratford. 9 Further reading A son, Hamnet, and a daughter, Judith, were baptized on February 2, Page 1 of External links Later years Effigy of Shakespeare at his tomb. It was comissioned by his son-in-law and wife in It is believed to be one of the closest depictions of Shakespeare by people who knew him. Shakespeare's last two plays were written in 1613, after which he appears Life to have retired to Stratford. He died on April 23, 1616, at the age of 52. He remained married to Anne until his death and was survived by his two daughters, Susannah and Judith. Susannah married Dr John Hall, but there are no direct descendants of the poet and playwright alive today. Main article: Shakespeare's life Shakespeare is buried in the chancel of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. He was granted the honour ofearly buriallife in the chancel not on account of his fame because as a playwright for purchasing hakspere, Shaksper, and Shake-speare, spelling in but Elizabethan times wasa share of the tithe of the church for 440 (a considerable sum of money at the Shakespeare (also spelled Shakspe time).inastratford-upon-avon, bust of him placed by his family on the wall1564, nearest his grave shows him posed in the act of writing. William Each year on his claimed n Henley Street, Warwickshire, England, in April birthday, a new quill pen is placed the writing not fixed and absolute[1]) was born in Henl essful tradesman and alderman, and of Mary Arden, aindaughter of the hand gentry.of the bust. the son of John Shakespeare, a successful t s to April 26 of that year. Because baptisms were performed within a few days of Shakespeare's baptismal record dates to Ap He believedcalendar) to haveaswritten the epitaph his tombstone: 3 (May 4 on theisgregorian his birthday. This dateon provides a birth, tradition has settled on April 23 (May speare died on the same day in convenient symmetry because Shakespeare Good friend, for Jesus' sake forbear, he son of a prominent town official, Shakespeare was entitled to attend King To dig the dust enclosed here. As the son ward VI Grammar School in central Stratford, which may have provided an Blest be the man that spares these stones, Edward VI nsive education in Latin grammar and literature. Also, mainstream scholars But cursed he thatatmoves my bones. intensive e me that Shakespeare wasbe a student the Stratford Free School, since he would assume tha e been entitled to attend it, and textbooks used at the Stratford Free School are have been ded to in the plays. At the age of 18, he married Anne Hathaway, who was 26, on alluded to ember 28, 1582 at Temple Grafton, near Stratford. Two neighbours of Anne November ed bond that there were no impediments to the marriage. There appears to have posted bon n some haste in arranging the ceremony, presumably due to the fact that Anne been some three months pregnant. was three m er his marriage, After his m liam Shakespeare Fr o m William Sh few traces in the left few tra orical record until historical r Shakespeare's signature, from his will Image of Shakespeare from ppeared on the he appeare the First Folio (1623), the don theatrical London the first collected edition of his ne. Indeed, the late plays scene. Inde 0s are known as Shakespeare's "Lost Years" because no evidence has survived to 1580s are w exactly where he was or why he left Stratford for London. On May 26, 1583, show exac was baptized at Stratford. A son, Hamnet, and a daughter, Judith, were baptized Shakespeare's first child, Susannah, was ba on February 2, ritten in 1613, after which he appears to have l 23, 1616, at the age of 52. He remained married 2 Later years Shakespeare's last two plays were written i retired to Stratford. He died on April 23, 16

3 King Lear Character Map From CliffsNotes King Lear Summary and Study Guide 3

4 King Lear Characters King Lear King of Britain. Lear is the protagonist whose willingness to believe empty flattery leads to the deaths of many people. Goneril Lear s eldest daughter who, after professing her deep love for her father, betrays him and plots his murder. Regan Lear s second daughter. Regan joins forces with Goneril to destroy their father. Regan initially appears less harsh than her elder sister, but in the end, she proves to be as bloodthirsty as Goneril. Cordelia Lear s youngest daughter. Cordelia genuinely loves her father, but her refusal to flatter him leads to her tragic death. Fool Loyal member of the king s court. The Fool assumes the role of protector to Lear when Cordelia is banished. Earl of Gloucester Lear s cohort and loyal friend. Gloucester is a foolish old man whose inability to see the truth in his youngest son s words parallels Lear s own difficulties with Goneril and Regan. Earl of Kent/Caius Lear s loyal friend and supporter. Although banished, Kent disguises himself as Caius in an effort to stay close to his king. Edgar/Poor Tom Gloucester s older son. Edgar is Gloucester s only legitimate heir, but he must flee and hide from his father, disguised as Poor Tom, when he comes under suspicion. Edmund Gloucester s younger, illegitimate, son. He is an opportunist whose ambitions lead him to form a union with Goneril and Regan. Duke of Albany Goneril s husband. Albany grows in stature during the play and ultimately finds the strength to resist his wife s efforts to have Lear killed. Duke of Cornwall Regan s brutal husband. Cornwall is vicious and savage as he tries to eliminate Lear and Gloucester. Oswald Goneril s steward. Oswald is a willing accomplice to Goneril s plotting and proves a foil to Kent s devotion to Lear. King of France Marries Cordelia. France is honourable and willing to support Cordelia s efforts to rescue her father. Duke of Burgundy Suitor for Cordelia. Burgundy rejects Cordelia when he discovers she will bring him no dowry. Curan Gloucester s servant. Old Man Tenant of Gloucester. Servants to Cornwall Cornwall s retainers, who attack him in defence of Gloucester. Doctor Attendant to Cordelia. From CliffsNotes King Lear Summary and Study Guide 4

5 King Lear Water & Salt Once upon a time there was a king who had three daughters. These three daughters being at table one day, their father said, Come now, let us see which of you three loves me. The oldest said, Papa, I love you as much as my eyes. The second answered, I love you as much as my heart. The youngest said, I love you as much as water and salt. The king heard his youngest with amazement. Do you value me like water and salt? Quick! Call the executioner, for I will have her killed immediately. The other sisters privately gave the executioner a little dog, and told him to kill it and rend one of the youngest sister s garments, but to leave her in a cave. This he did, and brought back to the king the dog s tongue and the rent garment: Royal majesty, here is her tongue and garment. The unfortunate princess, meanwhile, was found in the forest by a magician, who took her to his house. Here the son of another king saw her and fell desperately in love with her, and a match was soon agreed upon. Then the magician came to her and said, You must invite three kings, your father the first. You must order the servants to pass water and salt to all the guests except your father. And so invitations went out and plans were made and the prince and the princess were married, and her father the king attended but did not know her. The next day they held a banquet. The princess gave orders. No salt and water to that king. They sat down at table, and the young queen was near her father, but still he didn t know her. She helped him to some bits of meat, and the king chewed his food over and over again like a goat, as if he could eat it without salt or water. When they finished eating they began to tell stories, and the king told them all about his daughter. He had grown sick with sorrow and grief for what he had done. She asked him if he could still recognize her, and stepping out of the room put on the same dress she wore when he sent her away to be killed. You caused me to be killed because I told you I loved you as much as salt and water. Now you have seen what it is to eat without salt and water. Her father could not say a word, but embraced her and begged her pardon and they remained happy and contented. 5

6 King Lear James I and the Divine Right of Kings James I of England ( ) reigned as James VI of Scotland ( ) before assuming the English throne. James was one of the most important defenders of the rights of monarchs and of the divine origin of kingship. True Law of Free Monarchies (1598) According to these fundamental laws already alleged, we daily see that in the parliament (which is nothing else but the head court of the king and his vassals) the laws are but craved by his subjects, and only made by him at their [proposal] and with their advice: for albeit the king make daily statutes and ordinances, [imposing] such pains thereto as he thinks [fit], without any advice of parliament or estates, yet it lies in the power of no parliament to make any kind of law or statute, without his scepter [that is, authority] be to it, for giving it the force of a law And as ye see it manifest that the king is over-lord of the whole land, so is he master over every person that inhabiteth the same, having power over the life and death of every one of them: for although a just prince will not take the life of any of his subjects without clear law, yet the same laws whereby he taketh them are made by himself or his predecessors; and so the power flows always from himself Where he sees the law doubtsome or rigorous, he may interpret or mitigate the same, lest otherwise summum jus be summa injuria [the greatest right be the greatest wrong]: and therefore general laws made publicly in parliament may upon [the kings] authority be mitigated and suspended upon causes only known to him. As likewise, although I have said a good king will frame all his actions to be according to the law, yet is he not bound thereto but of his good will, and for good example-giving to his subjects So as I have already said, a good king, though he be above the law, will subject and frame his actions thereto, for example s sake to his subjects, and of his own free will, but not as subject or bound thereto A speech to parliament (1610) The state of monarchy is the supremest thing upon earth: for kings are not only God s lieutenants upon earth and sit upon God s throne, but even by God Himself they are called gods. There be three principal [comparisons] that illustrate the state of monarchy: one taken out of the word of God, and the two other out of the grounds of policy and philosophy. In the Scriptures kings are called gods, and so their power after a certain relation compared to the Divine power. Kings are also compared to fathers of families: for a king is truly parens patriae [parents of the country], the politic father of his people. And lastly, kings are compared to the head of this microcosm of the body of man I conclude then this point touching the power of kings with this axiom of divinity, That as to dispute what God may do is blasphemy so is it sedition in subjects to dispute what a king may do in the height of his power. But just kings will ever be willing to declare what they will do, if they will not incur the curse of God. I will not be content that my power be disputed upon; but I shall ever be willing to make the reason appear of all my doings, and rule my actions according to my laws Now the second general ground whereof I am to speak concerns the matter of grievances. First then, I am not to find fault that you inform yourselves of the particular just grievances of the people; nay I must tell you, ye can neither be just nor faithful to me or to your countries that trust and employ you, if you do it not But I would wish you to be careful to avoid [these] things in the matter of grievances. First, that you do not meddle with the main points of government: that is my craft to meddle with that, were to lessen me. I am now an old king ; I must not be taught my office. Secondly, I would not have you meddle with such ancient rights of mine as I have received from my predecessors, possessing them more [as ancestral customs]: such things I would be sorry should be accounted for grievances. All novelties are dangerous as well in a politic as in a natural body: and therefore I would be loath to be quarreled in my ancient rights and possessions: for that were to judge me unworthy of that which my predecessors had and left me. 6

7 King Lear The Divine Right of Kings Read through the first speech: True Law of Free Monarchies. 1. What is James trying to convey? What is his conception of the role of a king? Read through the second speech: A Speech to Parliament, In the first paragraph, James talks about his idea of the divine right of kings. Judging from his speech, what does that phrase mean? 3. What does the phrase parens patriae mean? Does James think of the Parliament and his subjects as equals? 4. James uses his age as a persuasive device in the last paragraph. How does he get mileage out of being an old king? 7

8 King Lear Basic Chart of Ranks God Angels Humans Animals Vegetables Minerals The Chain of Being Astrological Ranks Sun Moon Planets Stars Humours & Emotions Yellow Bile (Anger) Black Bile (Melancholy) Blood (Happiness) Phlegm (Lethargy) The Chain of Being describes the Renaissance belief in a hierarchical universe ordained by God. Each link in the Chain was an individual species of being, creature, or object. Those links higher on the Chain possessed greater intellect, mobility, and capability than those lower on the Chain. Accordingly, the higher links had more authority over the lower. For instance, plants only had authority and ability to rule over minerals. Being superior in quality to inert rock and soil, the plants had divine sanction to draw sustenance from them, and grow upon them, while the minerals and soil supported them. Animals higher on the Chain of Being were thought to have natural authority over both inanimate plants and minerals. For instance, horses could trample the rocks and earth; they could also eat plants. Humans in turn were thought to possess greater attributes than other animals, and could rule over the rest of the natural world, uprooting weeds and planting gardens, digging up metals and shaping them into tools, and so on. Likewise, spiritual beings like angels and God had greater ability than man, and could rule over and control humanity as well as the rest of the animal world. The unifying principle holding the Chain of Being together was divine love and rational order. Every being in creation was thought to have its place within this Chain, which entailed a certain degree of authority and a certain degree of responsibility to the rest of the Chain. As long as each being knew its place and did its destined duty for the rest of the Chain, all would be well. Literary ramifications: Artists in the period have ready at their fingertips a catalog of instant symbols and connotations, all conveniently ranked in status. If Shakespeare compares a woman to a vine and her husband to an oak, he doesn t do so merely to talk about her beauty or his strength. Instead, he emphasizes her subordination to him in the Chain of Being. Likewise, imagery from the sun, the moon, or other parts of nature often involve an implied set of connotations concerning that object or animal s place in nature. Moral ramifications: It becomes a moral imperative for each creature to know its place in the Chain of Being and fulfill its own function without striving to rise above its station or debasing itself by behaviour proper to the lower links in the Chain. A human who is as gluttonous as a pig, or as lecherous as a goat, has allowed the lower, bestial instincts in his nature to supersede his divine capability of reason. He is guilty of fleshly or carnal sin, and denies the rational, spiritual aspect of his nature. Likewise, a human who attempts to rise above his social rank does so through arrogance, pride, or envy of his betters. Here, the error is an intellectual or spiritual sin akin to that of the fallen angels. Political ramifications: The belief in the Chain of Being meant the monarchy was ordained by God and inherent in the very structure of the universe. Rebellion was a sin not only against the state, but against heaven itself, for the king was God s appointed deputy on earth, with semi-divine powers. Such an ideology necessitates a social conservatism so extreme that it is difficult to imagine today. Conversely, the king has a moral responsibility to God and his people. In return for his absolute power, he is expected to rule his subjects with love, wisdom, and justice. To do otherwise is to abandon those natural qualities that make a noble fit to rule in the first place. Misusing regal authority is a perversion of divine order. 8

9 King Lear Plot Summary Act I I i Setting Main Events Picture/Image King Lear s palace, Britain I ii The Earl of Gloucester s castle I iii The Duke of Albany s palace I iv A hall in the Duke of Albany s palace I v The Duke of Albany s palace 9

10 King Lear Plot Summary Act II II i Setting Main Events Picture/Image Gloucester s castle II ii Before the Earl of Gloucester s castle II iii A wood II iv Before the Earl of Gloucester s castle Kent in stocks 10

11 King Lear Plot Summary Act III III i A heath Setting Main Events Picture/Image III ii Another part of the heath III iii Gloucester s castle III iv The heath before a hovel III v-vii Gloucester s castle 11

12 King Lear Plot Summary Act IV IV i The heath Setting Main Events Picture/Image IV ii Before the Duke of Albany s palace IV iii The French camp at Dover IV iv Gloucester s castle IV v Gloucester s castle IV vi Fields near Dover IV vi A tent in the French camp 12

13 King Lear Plot Summary Act V V i Setting Main Events Picture/Image The British camp near Dover V ii A field between the two camps V iii The British camp near Dover 13

14 King Lear Animal Imagery in the Play All of the animals listed below are connected to Goneril or Regan at some stage during the play. How well do these skills and attributes reflect the daughters characters? Animal Attribute Spoken By Detested kite Sharp claws, predatory nature, smooth plumage, calculating killer, preys on those smaller than itself Ass Cuckoo Crab Wild geese Mongrel/Cur Eels Vulture 14

15 King Lear Animal Imagery in the Play continued Animal Attribute Spoken By Serpent Lion Wolf Pelican Boar Dog Adder Tiger 15

16 King Lear The Fool 1. How many times does Lear have to call for him before he comes? 2. How long has the Fool been absent? 3. What reason is given for his absence and what does this reveal about his character? 4. A lot of the Fool s intelligence is conveyed through his jokes and riddles. Find an example of a joke or riddle related to the following topics and explain what the Fool is trying to tell Lear. Topic Quotation and Citation What is the Fool trying to tell Lear? Brains Crowns Houses Animals 5. Why do you think the Fool does not appear again after Act III? 16

17 King Lear Word Study List Vocabulary Quizzes Act I Act II Act III Acts IV & V Moonshine Portend Reverb Retinue Felicitate Derogate Sojourn Unfed Epicurism Revenue Abatement Breaches Credulous Discreet Glib Machinations Opulent Ponderous Redress Divest Cohorts Parricide Bestow Indisposed Manifold Ruffian Depraved Dissuaded Malice Raiment Dullard Infirmity Abjure Antipathy Auspicious Bandy Corrupted Exploit Fickle Penury Peruse Superfluous Contentious Covert Fretful Ignobly Impetuous Importune Injunction Pernicious Servile Subdued Rotundity Affliction Filial Judicious Equity Contemned Moral Venomously Luxury Cowish Casualties Biding Girdle Disbranch Bereaved Arbitrement Reciprocal Goodliest Mutations Conceit Slaves Smilets Usurps Safer Helm Accommodate Degenerate Clamour Detains Discerning Remediate Renounce Stratagem Summit Vexed Arraign Diligent Eminence Exalt Heinous Illustrious Manifest Sects Spurn 17

18 King Lear Guidon Study Questions Act One 1. What dramatic purpose does the opening meeting between Kent, Gloucester, and Edmund serve? 2. Why does King Lear s plan to divide his kingdom appear sensible? Why does it seem foolish? 3. What does Lear s plan to grant his largest bounty to the daughter who loves him the most say about his character? 4. Is Cordelia merely being stubborn when she refuses to comply with Lear s request for praise? 5. What impression does the earl of Kent s quarrel with Lear create about the earl s character? 6. What does Burgundy s decision reveal about marriage arrangements in the English past? 7. How does the king of France view Cordelia, and what does that opinion indicate about his character? 8. Does the last part of Act I, Scene i, reveal the villainous characters of Goneril and Regan? 9. What impression about Edmund does his soliloquy in Act I, Scene ii, create? 10. Is Gloucester s betrayal by Edmund the same as Lear s betrayal by his daughters? 11. What philosophy does Gloucester express after reading the forged letter? Ho do his observations relate to the events in the play? 12. What does Edmund think of his father s philosophy? How does he make use of that philosophy? 13. How does Kent manage to disguise himself when he reenters Lear s service? 14. How does Kent win Lear s favour? 15. What historically was a fool s role? What is the Fool s function in the play? 16. Why does Shakespeare switch to blank verse when Goneril enters in Act I, Scene iv? 17. What reasons does Goneril give for wanting to reduce Lear s entourage? 18. What hints in Act I prepare the audience for the possibility that Lear might go mad? Act Two 19. How does Edmund benefit when he tricks Edgar into fleeing? 20. How does Shakespeare begin to join the Gloucester subplot with the main plot in Act II, Scene i? 21. Why is Kent s punishment such a dreadful insult to Lear? 22. Why does Kent attack Oswald? 23. How does Kent s punishment affect Gloucester? 24. What are stocks? 25. What dramatic purpose is served when Edgar disguises himself as poor, mad Tom? 26. How does Lear react when he sees Kent in the stocks? What does this reaction indicate about Lear s character? 27. What does Regan advise Lear when she finally comes on stage to greet her father? 28. How does Lear react to Regan s advice? What is ironic about his response to her? 29. Why does Goneril s arrival at Gloucester s castle produce the first major climax in the play? Act Three 30. Did an intermission originally occur in the play following Act II? 31. What purpose is served by Act III, Scene i? 32. Examine some of the views expressed about nature in the play, and give explanations for the storm in light of those explanations. 33. How does the storm parallel Lear s emotional and mental state? 34. Why does Lear alternately pray to and rage against the storm? 35. How does Lear s language when he faces the storm reflect the storm itself? 36. What is the significance of Lear s decision to go with Kent to seek shelter in the hovel? 37. What is the significance of the Fool s prophecy at the end of Act III, Scene ii? 38. In light of the Fool s reference to Merlin, during what period is the play supposed to be set? 39. What does Gloucester confide to Edmund? How can Edmund make use of this information? 40. Why does Gloucester so readily trust his secrets to Edmund? 18

19 King Lear Guidon Study Questions 41. What is Lear s mood as Kent tries to persuade him to enter the hovel? 42. What stirs Lear from his self-obsession outside the hovel? What change is revealed in his character? 43. Does Lear s speech expressing concern for the poor explain in any way why Shakespeare chose to set his play in a pagan era? 44. What is Lear s immediate reaction to Edgar, (disguised as the beggar Tom)? 45. As the mad Tom, how does Edgar explain his fall? How does his admission relate to Lear and Gloucester? 46. Why does Lear address Edgar as noble philosopher? 47. When Gloucester finds the king, how does he react to the company around the king and to Lear s mental condition? 48. What makes the role of Edgar such a difficult one? What is particularly difficult about the moment when Gloucester speaks of the crime Edgar is charged with (III, iv)? 49. What is the importance of the mock trial of Goneril and Regan? 50. Why is Regan and Cornwall s treatment of Gloucester a multiple offence? 51. How does Gloucester s punishment parallel Lear s descent into madness? 52. What message does the audience draw from the servant s defence of Gloucester? Act Four 53. What is Edgar s philosophy? 54. How has his blindness changed Gloucester? 55. What does Goneril find so attractive in Edmund? 56. What changes are evident about Albany in Act IV, Scene ii? 57. What is the purpose of the scene where a gentleman relays Cordelia s reaction to news of Lear s distress? 58. According to Kent, why does Lear refuse to see Cordelia? 59. What rather surprising quality does Oswald reveal in his meeting with Regan in Scene v? 60. Why does Regan seek Gloucester s death? 61. Is Edgar s method of saving Gloucester from suicide unnecessarily cruel? 62. What is the gist of Lear s mad diatribes in Scene vi? 63. Why is the meeting between Lear and Gloucester poignant? 64. How does Oswald s death further the plot? 65. What changes are immediately apparent in Lear s character when he regains his sanity in Scene vii? 66. What is one practical reason for Lear s absence from the stage for five scenes in Act IV? 67. What themes does the relationship between Goneril, Regan, and Edmund express? Act Five 68. How is Albany s character change finally completed? 69. How and why does Edmund partially redeem himself? 70. Why in the midst of all the other tragedies in the play does Cordelia s death seem such a stunning blow? 71. How are Gloucester s and Lear s deaths similar? 72. What strikes Kent as remarkable about Lear s death? Discussion Questions Motivation: 1. Why does Lear divest himself of his kingdom and his authority? 2. How is Cordelia similar to her father at the beginning of the play? 3. What are the reasons Edmund gives for his plots against his brother Edgar? 19

20 King Lear Monologue Shakespeare s plays are meant to be performed in order to fully appreciate the overall effect of the interaction of language and body movement. Monologues are more than just a series of words strewn together; they are words that are meant to create a vivid impression/mood/atmosphere for the audience. There are many elements that work together to effectively accomplish this. The words themselves are an integral part, but the intonation of the voice, variation of volume, pacing and tone of voice are also significant elements in the effective presentation of a monologue. Body language is another important factor in the presentation of Shakespeare s works. When having a conversation with a friend, we all use our body language and facial expression to communicate and enhance our meaning. Facing the audience and reflecting your emotions in your face will enhance your presentation and enable the audience to more fully sympathise with your character. Your task: Select a minimum of 10 consecutive lines by the same character. You may choose a selection of 15 lines or more to receive up to 2 bonus marks. My selection (Act, Scene, Line): Points to keep in mind: Understanding the selection: Who is speaking in this passage (i.e., age, gender, life experience, attitude)? Find the meaning of words or phrases that you do not understand. Determining your purpose and audience: Why does this selection appeal to you? What effect do you want to have on the audience? What mood are you trying to create? Delivery: Make a copy of the selection you are presenting Determine where you should speak loudly or softly Highlight words or phrases that should be emphasized Mark selections that should be read more quickly or more slowly than others Mark the places where you should pause Determine what your facial expressions should communicate to the audience Determine what tone your body language will set 20

21 Rubric King Lear Monologue /16 Name: Duration: Scene: Character: **Submit this sheet to your teacher prior to presenting.** Criteria Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Knowledge/ Understanding Understanding of the material Thinking/Inquiry Creativity Communication Sense of audience and purpose Expression and intonation indicate limited understanding of the material and the character Interpretation shows limited creativity Body language makes a limited contribution to characterization Shows limited awareness of audience Expression and intonation indicate some understanding of the material and the character Interpretation shows some creativity Body language makes some contributions to characterization Shows some awareness of audience Expression and intonation indicate considerable understanding of the material and the character Interpretation shows considerable creativity Body language makes an appropriate contribution to characterization Addresses audience with considerable confidence Expression and intonation indicate a thorough and insightful understanding of the material and the character Interpretation shows a high degree of creativity Body language makes a highly effective contribution to characterization Addresses audience with a high degree of confidence Application Voice, accuracy, punctuation Voice has limited clarity Speaks with limited accuracy and effectiveness Voice is moderately clear Speaks with some accuracy and effectiveness Voice is clear and appropriate Speaks with considerable accuracy and effectiveness Voice is clear and highly effective Speaks with a high degree of accuracy and effectiveness Comments: 21

22 King Lear Teaching Seminars Working in a group of 3-4, you will teach the class about one of the topics below and relate it to King Lear. Your seminar will be minutes long and will include audiovisual materials. Group Members & Contact Info: Topics: 1. Humour: How has Shakespeare used humour in the play? 2. Suspense: In King Lear, suspense pervades the entire play. 3. Chaos and Society: The great chain of being and the importance of order shown by plot, setting, and character. 4. Parallelism: What is the dramatic significance of these parallel plots? 5. Contrast: What is the significance of the juxtaposition of opposites in the play? 6. Dramatic Irony: How does Shakespeare use dramatic irony to enhance the play? 7. Imagery: Explain the imagery used to develop specific characters throughout the play. 8. Astrological Determinism: Research astrological determinism and explain the relationship to both the play and modern horoscopes. 9. Retributive Justice: In what ways is the ending of the play both fair and unfair? What does it reflect about the 16th century society s ideas about the universe and life in general? 10.Music: Listen to The White Cliffs of Dover and explain why the cliffs are both historically significant and why they are significant in the play. 11.Film Review: Watch the film A Thousand Acres based on Jane Smiley s novel and compare it to the play. 22

23 Rubric King Lear Seminars /16 Names: Topic: **Submit this sheet to your teacher prior to presenting.** Criteria Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Knowledge/ Understanding Information, ideas, concepts Thinking/Inquiry Analysis Communication Sense of audience and purpose Rhetorical devices Organization Application Voice Visual aids Language conventions Demonstrates a limited understanding of the topic Uses limited logical analysis and explanation Choice of material shows limited sense of audience and purpose Shows limited effective use of rhetorical devices Structure shows limited organization Voice has limited clarity Use of visual aids and technology is limited Uses vocabulary and sentence structure with limited accuracy and effectiveness Demonstrates some understanding of the topic Uses some logical analysis and explanation Choice of material shows some sense of audience and purpose Shows some effective use of rhetorical devices Structure shows some organization Voice has some clarity Use of visual aids and technology is moderately effective Uses vocabulary and sentence structure with some accuracy and effectiveness Demonstrates a considerable understanding of the topic Uses considerable logical analysis and explanation Choice of material shows considerable sense of audience and purpose Shows considerable effective use of rhetorical devices Structure shows considerable organization Voice has considerable clarity Use of visual aids and technology is effective Uses vocabulary and sentence structure with considerable accuracy and effectiveness Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic Uses highly effective logical analysis and explanation Choice of material shows a thorough sense of audience and purpose Shows highly effective use of rhetorical devices Structure is highly organized Voice has a high degree of clarity Use of visual aids and technology is effective and creative Uses vocabulary and sentence structure with a high degree of accuracy and effectiveness Duration: Comments: 23

24 King Lear Test Essay Question Name: Instructions: Write a well-organized essay using introduced, embedded, cited, and analysed quotations. You will need two (2) quotations per body paragraph. You are permitted to have the text with the pages containing your chosen quotations flagged with sticky notes, with a maximum of one word written on the sticky notes. No other notes or resources are permitted. If any additional items are discovered, you will not be permitted to use the text at all. Question: The essay prompt question, quotation, or statement will appear here. Below is how you will be evaluated on this in-class essay. You will only have one class period to complete the essay. Essay Question Evaluation Topic Development: originality, logical development of ideas Support: quotation choice and analysis Organization & Conventions: essay and paragraph structure and formatting, mechanics Diction & Sentence Fluency: word choice, sentence structure, syntax, style Total /40 24

25 Essays Metacognition Name: Since you are not permitted to keep your in-class essay, this exercise will be a means for you to record your common errors and reflect on them in an effort to improve for the next in-class writing. List what you did well on your essay List the areas that you need to work on in the essay Find errors in your essay pertaining to the following five categories. Write the sentences down, identify the error and correct the sentence error. 1. Organization/Structure of the Essay (including paragraph structure) Error: Corrected organization or structure: 25

26 2. Embedding/MLA Guidelines: Error: Corrected embedding of quotation(s) within sentence(s): 3. Style & Diction: Is it appropriately formal and academic in nature? Error: Corrected language choice(s): 26

27 4. Thesis & Argument(s): Are they deficient or missing? Error: Corrected thesis and/or argument(s): 5. Analysis: What is missing in yours? Error: Corrected analysis/analyses: 27