Family Quotes King Lear

Family is one of the most important themes in William Shakespeare's tragedy, King Lear. The play explores the relationship between parents and children and the consequences of their actions. Below are some of the most significant family quotes in King Lear.

King Lear and His Daughters

King Lear has three daughters: Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia. He decides to divide his kingdom among them based on how much they love him. Goneril and Regan flatter him with false praises, while Cordelia refuses to compete and speaks the truth. Lear disowns Cordelia and gives her share to her sisters.

"Which of you shall we say doth love us most? That we our largest bounty may extend where nature doth with merit challenge." - King Lear

"Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter, dearer than eyesight, space, and liberty, beyond what can be valued rich or rare, no less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honor. As much as child e'er loved or father found, a love that makes breath poor and speech unable." - Goneril

"I am made of that self mettle as my sister, and prize me at her worth. In my true heart, I find she names my very deed of love, only she comes too short, that I profess myself an enemy to all other joys." - Regan

"Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave my heart into my mouth. I love your majesty according to my bond, no more nor less." - Cordelia

Question and Answer

Q: Why did Lear disown Cordelia?

A: Cordelia refused to compete with her sisters and spoke the truth about her love for her father.

Gloucester and His Sons

Gloucester has two sons: Edgar and Edmund. Edmund, the illegitimate son, resents being treated as a second-class citizen and plots against his brother. He convinces Gloucester that Edgar is plotting against him and Edgar is forced to flee. Edmund becomes Gloucester's favorite and betrays him to Regan and Goneril.

"Why bastard? Wherefore base? When my dimensions are as well compact, my mind as generous, and my shape as true, as honest madam's issue? Why brand they us with base? With baseness? Bastardy? Base, base? Who in the lusty stealth of nature take more composition and fierce quality than doth within a dull, stale, tired bed go to the creating a whole tribe of fops got 'tween asleep and awake?" - Edmund

"Thou, nature, art my goddess. To thy law my services are bound. Wherefore should I stand in the plague of custom and permit the curiosity of nations to deprive me, for that I am some twelve or fourteen moonshines lag of a brother? Why bastard? Wherefore base, when my dimensions are as well compact, my mind as generous, and my shape as true as honest madam's issue?" - Edmund

Question and Answer

Q: Why did Edmund betray Gloucester?

A: Edmund resented being treated as a second-class citizen and wanted to take revenge on his brother and father.

The Fool and King Lear

The Fool is King Lear's jester and accompanies him throughout the play. He often speaks the truth and provides comic relief. He is loyal to Lear and stays with him even when his daughters abandon him.

"Have more than thou showest, speak less than thou knowest, lend less than thou owest." - The Fool

"Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst been wise." - The Fool

Question and Answer

Q: Who is the Fool loyal to?

A: The Fool is loyal to King Lear.

The Importance of Family

King Lear shows the importance of family and the consequences of neglecting it. Lear's actions lead to the death of his daughters and his own downfall. Gloucester's betrayal by his son Edmund also leads to his downfall. The play serves as a reminder that family is important and should not be taken for granted.

Question and Answer

Q: What lesson does King Lear teach about family?

A: King Lear teaches that family is important and neglecting it can lead to tragic consequences.

Conclusion

King Lear is a play that explores the relationship between parents and children and the consequences of their actions. It shows the importance of family and the consequences of neglecting it. The family quotes in the play are significant and provide insight into the characters' motivations. It serves as a reminder that family is important and should not be taken for granted.