King Lear Quotes (Act 5)

“To both of these sisters have I sworn my love, each jealous of the other as the stung are of the adder. Which of them shall I take?” (Act 5, Scene 1) Said by: EdmundSaid to: HimselfContext: Edmund has found himself at the center of affection of both Goneril and Regan. He has pledged himself to both and recognizes that they’re jealous of each other, yet still questions which one to take.
“For the, oppressed king, I am cast down. Myself could else outfrown false Fortune’s frown.” (Act 5, Scene 3) Said by: CordeliaSaid to: LearContext: When Cordelia is reunited with Lear, she begins to worry about his wellbeing, wishing that it were her in his place.
“When thou dost ask me blessing, I’ll kneel down and ask of thee forgiveness.” (Act 5, Scene 3) Said by: LearSaid to: CordeliaContext: Ashamed by how he banished Cordelia, Lear explains that when she asks for blessing, he will beg for her forgiveness, recognizing his own mistake.
“Sir, by your patience, I hold you but a subject of this war, not as a brother.” (Act 5, Scene 3) Said by: AlbanySaid to: EdmundContext: After Edmund sent Cordelia and Lear to prison without Albany’s authority, Albany tells Edmund that he is Albany’s subordinate, not his equal.
“The wheel is come full circle.” (Act 5, Scene 3) Said by: EdmundSaid to: EdgarContext: After Edgar fatally injures Edmund, Edgar recognizes the situation at hands is due to the vices of Gloucester. Edmund confirms, saying that the vices have come back to hurt him.
“I pant for life. Some good I mean to do despite of mine own nature.” (Act 5, Scene 3) Said by: EdmundSaid to: Albany and othersContext: After having ordered for Cordelia and Lear to be killed and also being fatally injured, Edmund admits his actions as to do some good before his death.
“Vex not his ghost. O, let him pass! He hates him that would upon the rack of this tough world stretch him out longer.” (Act 5, Scene 3) Said by: KentSaid to: Edgar and AlbanyContext: After Lear dies, Kent suggests not attempting to resuscitate him, explaining that he’s been tortured enough on Earth.
“I have a journey, sir, shortly to go; my master calls me. I must not say no.” (Act 5, Scene 3) Said by: KentSaid to: Edgar and AlbanyContext: With Lear dead, Kent finds himself without motive to continue, as Lear was his life. He plans to kill himself soon.
“The weight of this sad time we must obey. Speak what we feel, not what we aught to say.” (Act 5, Scene 3) Said by: EdgarSaid to: Albany and Kent (really more towards audience)Context: After all of the deaths and evil that had been committed in such a short timespan, Edgar suggests that the gravity of the sad day should be remembered.
July 3, 2019