Themes

• How were women treated in the context of the study material?

  Women were treated as objects to be sold.
• How does the study material counter stereotypes about gender?

  It states that men are emotional and women are in control of their emotions.
• What does Cordelia do in the context of her truth?

  Cordelia sticks to her truth.
• How do Goneril and Regan manipulate their father, King Lear?

  They manipulate him consciously.
• What does King Lear ask of his daughters?

  He asks them to be submissive.
• What does King Lear state regarding his paternal care?


  He states, “Here I disclaim all my paternal care, propinquity and property of blood.”
• How does King Lear abuse his power?

  He uses his own power for his own vanity.
• What is indicated by Lear's controlled emotions?

  They lead to irrationality.
• What gives King Lear his power?

  His power is given to him by position and manipulation.
• What is a key theme regarding generations in the study material?

  There is a disconnect between fathers and children.
• How does Gloucester treat Edmund?

  Gloucester is rude and neglectful to Edmund.
• How does King Lear reject his responsibility towards his daughter?

  He disowns his daughter.
• What is the nature of Goneril and Regan's feelings towards King Lear?

  They do not love King Lear and deceive him to gain land and power.
• What does Lear say about his love for his daughters?

  “Lear has always loved our sister most.”
• What is a repeated motif regarding eyesight in the study material?

  The motif of eyesight is highlighted by Kent's words, “Lear, see better.”
• What does Goneril claim about her love for Lear?


  She claims, “I love you dearer than eyesight.”
• Why is the theme of foresight important in the study material?

  It relates to the characters' ability to foresee consequences of their actions.
• What does the term "cannibalism" refer to in the study material?

  It refers to Lear “eating” his own children.
• What does “Digests the third” imply in the context of cannibalism?

  It suggests a violent consumption of one's own kin.
• What do Cordelia and Kent insist on regarding their speech?

  They insist on their right to speak plainly.
• How do Goneril and Regan's words create deceit?


  Their “hollow” words create deceit.
• What is the dual role of language in the study material?

  Language has the power to create drama but also to obscure the truth.