King Lear: Act 1

King Lear: Act 1

1. Main points

   • Sets the tone for the rest of the play
   • Within the first scene, we are introduced to all the main characters, exluding the fool and Edgar.
   • The love test, the banishment of Kent, the disownment of Cordelia and the devision of the kingdom determines the course the plays will take.
   • We are first introduced to the theme of sight and blindness in theme 1. This theme is first evident in Lear's ridiculous love test.
     • We quickly come to realise that Gloucester is just as blind as King Lear.
   • We are first introduced to the subplot through Edmund's soliloquy in which he UNDERMINES his family and the ORDER of society.
     • Instead, he decides to abide by the laws of nature which demand the survival of the fittest.
   • Lear comes to realise in the first act how wrong he has been
     • His cruel treatment at the hands of the vindictive Goneril is necessary if he is to grow quickly.