King Lear
1. Explore the significance of aspects of dramatic tragedy in the following passage* in relation
to the play as a whole. You should consider the following in your answer:
• the presentation of Lear
• the contrasts between the three daughters
• stage directions
• other relevant aspects of dramatic tragedy.
*…the “which of you shall we say doth love us most?” speech.
2. ‘Despite the cruel treatment Gloucester suffers, his moral awakening is uplifting and
enduring.’ To what extent do you agree with this view? Remember to include in your answer
relevant comment on Shakespeare’s dramatic methods. [25 marks]
3. ‘Goneril and Regan are victims rather than villains.’ To what extent do you agree with this
view? Remember to include in your answer relevant comment on Shakespeare’s dramatic
methods.
4. “The play is concerned more with the trials of parenthood than the trials of kingship.”
Discuss this view of the play King Lear.
5. How far would you agree that in King Lear Shakespeare presents us with “a Christian play
about a pagan world”?
6. How far would you agree that “in the bleak world of King Lear Shakespeare leaves us in no
doubt that loyal service earns no rewards”?
1. Explore the significance of aspects of dramatic tragedy in the following passage* in relation
to the play as a whole. You should consider the following in your answer:
• the presentation of Lear
• the contrasts between the three daughters
• stage directions
• other relevant aspects of dramatic tragedy.
*…the “which of you shall we say doth love us most?” speech.
2. ‘Despite the cruel treatment Gloucester suffers, his moral awakening is uplifting and
enduring.’ To what extent do you agree with this view? Remember to include in your answer
relevant comment on Shakespeare’s dramatic methods. [25 marks]
3. ‘Goneril and Regan are victims rather than villains.’ To what extent do you agree with this
view? Remember to include in your answer relevant comment on Shakespeare’s dramatic
methods.
4. “The play is concerned more with the trials of parenthood than the trials of kingship.”
Discuss this view of the play King Lear.
5. How far would you agree that in King Lear Shakespeare presents us with “a Christian play
about a pagan world”?
6. How far would you agree that “in the bleak world of King Lear Shakespeare leaves us in no
doubt that loyal service earns no rewards”?
