| Why does Edgar tell Gloucester the way they are traveling is ” horrible steep’? | Gloucester asked him to lead him to the edge of a cliff; Edgar is trying to convince him that’s where they are headed. |
| What details does Edgar provide to further convince his father that they are on the top of the cliff? | The smell of the sea, the birds, the fishermen below. |
| Why is Edgar so upset to see Lear? | Lear is dressed with wildflowers and has obviously lost his mind completely. |
| How do Lear’s wild ravings help to develop the theme of justice and injustice? | He talks about hypocrisy, and complains about the lack of true order in the world. |
| How does Lear’s speech affect Edgar? | Edgar sees some wisdom in what Lear says. |
| How do you know that while Gloucester won’t try to end his own life, he’s not anxious to go on living? | Gloucester tells Oswald to “put some strength to it” when Oswald says he’ll kill him. |
| What happens to Oswald? | Oswald decides he’ll try to kill Gloucester to get Goneril and Regan on his side. |
| What happens when Lear wakes up after being given the herbs? | At first he thinks he has died, and that Cordelia is an angel. He comes to his senses and realizes where he is, asks Cordelia to forgive him. |
| What irony is in this act? | The Gentleman tells Kent he’s heard that Edgar and Kent are in Germany. |
| Why does Edgar say ” Who is’t can say I a the worst.” | He thought things couldn’t get any worse but then sees his blinded father. |
| What is Gloucester’s mood as he speaks with Edgar? | Despairing, depressed, ashamed. |
| What information does Oswald have for Goneril about Albany? | Albany, a changed man, is having second thought about being on Cornwall, Regan, and Goneril’s side. |
| How did Cornelia react to the news about her father’s insanity? | She was tearful, and had sympathy for Lear. |
| What are Cornelia’s plans for her father? | She hopes to find him and cure his insanity. |
King Lear Act 4 Study Questions
July 3, 2019