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How To Answer A
King Lear A Level
English Question
How To Answer A King Lear A Level English Question For Dummies
For Dummies
Christelle Nunnikhoven
Contents Contents – Page 2 Introduction – Page 3 Planning – Page 4 How To Start and End Your answer -Page 5 Focusing on your Assesment Objectives-
Page 6 The Assesment Objectives – Page 7 Past Questions – Page 8 Introduction to the Themes – Page 9 Justice/Injustice- Page 10 Nature – Page 11
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How To Answer A King Lear A Level English Question For Dummies
Betrayal – Page 12 Appearance/ reality – Page 13 Loyalty – Page 14 Conflict – Page 15 Blindness – Page 16 Context Points - Page 17 Oedipus Rex – Page 18
Introduction
In this booklet you will find the tools and hints on how to answer your a level English Literature question.
You will be led into your exam hall, and seated.
When the exam begins, you must plan for as long as needed before you write your answer.
You need to remember your Assessment Objectives
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How To Answer A King Lear A Level English Question For Dummies
This is a closed book examination so you must learn all of the quotations
If any of these terms or hints confuse you, continue through the booklet to find more information.
Planning Your Question
You should look at the question and highlight the key words for example
According to one critic, “The theme of King Lear is the decay and the fall of the world… and the world is not healed again.” Examine the play in the light of this
remark with comparative references to Oedipus Rex.
Using the parts of the question that you have highlighted, create a Line Of Argument that you can argue throughout your essay. For example –
‘The play King Lear does not only demonstrates the decay and fall of the world but the fall of man himself’
You may then go on to list the quotations that you wish to use, and perhaps around them write the techniques they use and critical interpretations that link to them. For example
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How To Answer A King Lear A Level English Question For Dummies
“O let me not be mad!” Alfred Bates ‘Lear is almost childish with age’
You can then introduce your context –
Divine Right Of Kings – To take Lear’s power away would upset the Divine Right of Kings, throwing the balance of Lear’s world, leading to his disorientation.
Go on to enlighten the Lear by using the Oedipus Rex
Oedipus and Lear both ageing monarchs, Oedipus shows more sympathy with his people, ‘my children’. Oedipus had grown up in the same situation as his
people, would understand their situation more than Lear might - assumed that Lear has always been in a high state of power.
Once you believe you have a full plan you should go on to write your essay
How To Start and End Your Answer
5
Always start with an introduction -
Briefly touch upon the question Introduce your Line Of Argument
(LOA) You may briefly mention what you
plan to discuss in your essay
How To Answer A King Lear A Level English Question For Dummies
+
Focusing on Assessment Objectives
You must focus on your Assessment Objectives.
If you are a visual learner, make a mind map with colours for each AO, or perhaps you might take highlighters into the exam with you.
You can then highlight on your plan how much of each AO you have included, in order to ensure you have not missed any key elements, as this can severely bring down your grades
It is important to remember that AO1 and AO2 should be your main focuses when you are writing your plan and answer.
6
Always finish with a conclusion –• Bring together your ideas• Do they support/go against your line of argument?
Argue your LOA
How To Answer A King Lear A Level English Question For Dummies
AO3 and AO4 should be blended in with the other two objectives.
There is a list of the AO’s and what is required to achieve them on the next page
Each AO is worth 10 marks
The Assessment Objectives
The AOS What the specification says
Simplified Marks
A01 Articulate creative, informed and relevant responses to literary texts, using appropriate terminology, and concepts, and coherent, accurate written expression.
Quotes usedTerminology
10
A02 Demonstrated detailed critical understanding in
Structure and unpacking
10
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How To Answer A King Lear A Level English Question For Dummies
analysing the ways structure, form and language shape meanings in literary texts
A03 Explore connections and comparisons between different literary texts informed by interpretations of other readers
Critical Interpretations
10
A04 Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received.
Context 10
Past Questions
You can use Past Questions for practice!
January 2013
6. According to one critic, “The theme of King Lear is the decay and the fall of the world… and the world is not healed again.” Examine the play in the light of this remark with comparative references to Oedipus Rex.
7. How far does Shakespeare’s presentation allow sympathy or support for characters who oppose Lear? In the course of your writing, show how your ideas have been illuminated by Sophocles’ presentation of character.
June 2012
6. “The forces of good and evil contribute in equal measure to the play’s outcome” How far do you agree with this comment on King Lear? In the course of your writing, show how your reading of Oedipus Rex has illuminated your ideas.
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How To Answer A King Lear A Level English Question For Dummies
7. Discuss Shakespeare’s treatment of the issue of control in King Lear and show how far your understanding and appreciation of this issue have been influenced by your reading of Oedipus Rex.
January 2012
6. “In King Lear, Shakespeare makes very effective use of the tension between what characters choose to do and what they ought to do.” In the light of this remark, and with comparative reference to Oedipus Rex, examine Shakespeare’s presentation of the theme of duty.
7. Examine the presentation and dramatic importance of violence in King Lear, showing how your ideas have been illuminated in Oedipus Rex.
June 2011
6. Examine the dramatic significance of different locations in King Lear. In the course of your writing show how your understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare’s use of place have been influenced by your reading of Oedipus Rex.
7. “Truths a dog must to kennel!” Examine the dramatic significance of the Fool’s words to the play as a whole with comparative reference to the theme of truth in Oedipus Rex.
January 2011
6. “To describe the play as simply a conflict between the generations would be a serious underestimation.” Discuss this view of King Lear with comparative reference to conflicts in Oedipus Rex.
7. “Shakespeare presents his characters as entirely responsible for their own destinies.” Explore this view of King Lear and show how your ideas have been shaped by your reading of Oedipus Rex.
The Themes
There are many themes in King Lear that are likely to crop up in the exam, and so it is helpful to know specific quotations for each theme.
Quotations should be as short as possible, as these are easier to remember and also easier to apply when in the exam.
Under a list of quotations, there are Potential Line of Arguments and Critical Interpretations.
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How To Answer A King Lear A Level English Question For Dummies
A line of argument must be introduced in your opening paragraph
Critical Interpretations must be included in order to achieve A03 marks
Using short Critical Interpretations can also be easier to remember
Theme of Justice/Injustice
Quotes
‘All ruinous disorders follow us disquietly to our graves’Act 1 Scene 2 Line 113
Gloucester after discovering Edmunds faked letter
“This shows you are above,You justicers, that these out nether crimes/
So speedily venge!” Act 4 Scene 2 Lines 78-80
When Albany learns of Cornwall’s death
“And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks;Arm it in rags, a pigmys straw does pierce it.”
Act 4 Scene 6 lines 166-167
“Which is the justice, which is the thief?”
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How To Answer A King Lear A Level English Question For Dummies
Act 4 Scene 6 Lines 153- 154
“The gods are just”Act 5 Scene 3 Line 171
Edgar has just won the duel against his brother Edmund.
Potential Line Of Argument
Justice never equals injustice in King Lear All justice is inadvertently caused by Lear himself
Justice is ineffectual Divine justice is sparse in King Lear
Critical Interpretations
“The wicked bring destruction upon themselves” (Evans and Tobin) “The belief that evil will destroy itself is an idle dream” (Vincent Petronella)
“Nature supports human justice” (McDonald)
Theme of Nature
Quotes
‘Thou, Nature, art my goddess’Act 1 Scene 2 Line 1Edmunds soliloquy
“Hear, Nature, hear, dear goddess hear!”Act 1 Scene 4 Lines 275As Lear curses Goneril
‘Man’s nature cannot carryTh’ affliction, nor the fear”Act 3 Scene 2 Lines 48 & 49
Lear in the storm
“When the rain came to wet me at once, and the wind came to make me chatter, when the thunder would not peace at my bidding.”
Act 4 Scene 6 lines 100
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How To Answer A King Lear A Level English Question For Dummies
Lear to Gloucester in Dover
“My face I’ll grime with filth”Act 2 Scene 2 Line 180
Edgar creates Poor Tom.
Potential Line Of Argument
Natural and divine orders are one Nature supports human justice
The natural imagery in King Lear displays the basics of humanity
Critical Interpretations
“The outbreak of the storm in Act 3 only confirms what Lear has come to suspect about the fundamental injustice of the natural world” (Jeffrey Kahan)
“The belief that evil will destroy itself is an idle dream” (Vincent Petronella) “Nature supports human justice” (McDonald)
Theme of Betrayal
Quotes
‘O villain, villain! His very opinion in the letter!’
Act 1 Scene 2 Line 75Gloucester believes Edmunds lies
“How sharper than a serpent’s tooth is it To have a thankless child!”
Act 1 Scene 4 Line 280Lear to Goneril
“O, sir, you are old!”Act 2 Scene 2 Lines 335As Lear curses Goneril
“Let not the creaking of shoes, Nor the rustling of silks
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How To Answer A King Lear A Level English Question For Dummies
Betray thy poor heart to woman.”Act 3 Scene 4 lines 91-94
Edgar as Poor Tom to Lear
“O heavens, that this treason were not, or not I the detector!”Act 3 Scene 5 Line 10
Edmund attempts to secure his ties with Cornwall.
Potential Line Of Argument
• All characters fall victim to divine betrayal• Betrayal in Lear stems from misunderstood love
• All characters in King Lear are influenced by the various forms of betrayal
Critical Interpretations • “Connected with the religious level, betrayal in Lear reverberates through every
situation, political, familial, and personal” (William R. Elton)• “Lear is betrayed by the deception of his self-serving daughters” (Joseph Pearce)
• “The treachery of Goneril and Regan is mirrored in Edmunds betrayal of his father and brother” (Donna Woodford)
Theme of Appearance And Reality
Quotes
“It did always seem so to us”Act 1 Scene 1 Line 3
Kent and Gloucester discuss Lear and his favouritism
“The name, and all th’ addition to a king”Act 1 Scene Line 137
Lear after the banishment of Cordelia
“I now perceive it was not altogether your brothers’ evil disposition made him seek his death”
Act 3 Scene 5 Line 5 & 6Cornwall to Edmund
“Through tattered clothes great vices do appear”Act 4 Scene 6 Line 160
Lear has reached his highest point of madness
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How To Answer A King Lear A Level English Question For Dummies
“Taught me to shiftInto a madman’s rags”
Act 5 Scene 3 185 & 186
Potential Line Of Argument
The ‘good’ characters in King Lear always appear bad at some point in the play In King Lear, morally blind characters cannot see the difference between appearance
and reality The lines between appearance and reality are blurred throughout King Lear
Critical Interpretation
“Humans create the appearances of order for the vigilant restraint of chaos and evil” (Susan Schreiner)
“Where Lear struggles with himself and a world in the grip of reason, Gloucester struggles with himself and a world in the grip of appearance” (Terence Hawkes)
“He sees himself neither as buffoon nor sycophant, but as one who entertains with the facts of reality” (Larry S. Champion)
Theme Of Loyalty
Quotes
“You have begot me, bred me, loved me: IReturn those duties back as are right fit”
Act 1 Scene 1 Lines 96 & 97Cordelia returns her father’s loyalty
“So may it come, thy master, whom thou lovest,Shall find thee full of labours”
Act 1 Scene 4 Lines 3 & 4Kent demonstrates his loyalty
“But I will tarry, the fool will stay,And let the wise man fly”
Act 2 Scene 4 Lines 74 & 75The fool demonstrates his loyalty
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How To Answer A King Lear A Level English Question For Dummies
‘How, my lord, I may be censured that nature thus gives way to loyalty something fears me to think of.”
Act 3 Scene 5, Lines 2- 4Edmund to Cornwall
“I have a journey, sir, shortly to go;My master calls me, I must not say no”
Act 5 Scene 3 Lines 320 & 321Kent’s last lines
Potential Line Of Argument
All the truly loyal characters in King Lear stay this way throughout the play Loyalty is punished more than evil in King Lear
Loyalty goes unnoticed by morally blind characters
Critical Interpretations
In Shakespeare’s presentation, “nature” dictates loyalty, care, gratitude and obedience toward parents and superiors (Susan Schreiner)
The time comes when loyalty to a master must give way to a higher loyalty – to morality, to decency.” (Jay L. Halio)
The bonds of family in this play often probe weaker than the bonds of loyal service and friendship”
Theme of Conflict
“Edmund the base shall top th’legitimate - : I grow,I prosper; now gods, stand up for bastards!”
Act 1 Scene 2 Lines 20- 23Conflict between Edgar and Edmund
“Strives in his little world of man to outscornThe to-and-fro-conflicting wind and rain.”
Act 3 Scene 1 Lines 10 & 11Discussion of Lear in the storm
“I will persevere in my course of loyalty though the conflict be sore between that and my blood”
Act 3 Scene 5 Lines 21 – 23Edmund betrays his father
“But his flawed heart – Alack too weak the conflict to support – ‘Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief,
Burst Smilingly”
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How To Answer A King Lear A Level English Question For Dummies
Act 5 Scene 3 Lines 209 – 212Gloucester’s death
Potential Line Of Argument
The largest conflict in Lear is that of the protagonists inner turmoil Conflict is largely reflected through pathetic fallacy in Lear
All conflict in Lear is foreshadowed in Act 1 Scene 1
Critical Interpretation
“The conflict of the two brothers in Lear effects the changes of the kingdom in the main plot only as Edmund rises toward the tyranny” (Mark Allen McDonald)
“The didactic and homiletic tradition of medieval drama afforded tools by which Shakespeare might shape a complex action to reflect the universal role of man in
conflict with evil” (Irving Ribner)
“Instead of bringing happiness and tranquillity, Lear’s renunciation brings only suffering and conflict” (Ratri Ray)
Theme of Blindness
“Dearer than eyesight, space and liberty”Act 1 Scene 1 Page 161
Goneril’s speech of flattery to Lear
“Hence and avoid my sight”Act 1 Scene 1 Line 124 & 125
Lear to Cordelia
“See better, Lear, and let me still remainThe true blank of thine eye”
Act 1, Scene 1 Lines 159 & 160Kent attempts to direct Lear
“The quality of nothing hath not such need to hide itself. Let’s see” Act 1 Scene 4 Line 56
Gloucester is curios to the letter in Edmunds hand
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How To Answer A King Lear A Level English Question For Dummies
“How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell;Striving to better, oft we mar what’s well”
Act 1 Scene 4 Lines 342 & 343Albany to Goneril
“Old fond eyes, beweep this cause again, I’ll pluck ye out” Act 2 Scene 4 Lines 293 & 294
Lear refuses to cry
Potential Line Of Arguments
Those with moral blindness fall from the greatest heights to regain their sight Moral blindness in King Lear is the largest cause of conflict
The references to sight serve as a constant reminder to the audience of the characters own blindness
Critical Interpretations
“The second line in this couplet typfies Albany’s merely formal, conventional, and superficial morality” (Peter Levine)
“An infatuated father is blind toward his well-disposed child, and the unnatural children, whom he prefer, requite him by the ruin of his happiness” –(Michael J
Cummings) “King Lear is concerned with perception: with seeing better on the premise that our
ability to see depends on our ability to feel”- (Maureen Cutajar)
Context Points
Try to research some of these points yourself to find your own information –
Divine Right of Kings – A political and religious belief that a monarch is placed on the throne by the will of God. The theory came to the
forefront under King James the 1st reign.
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How To Answer A King Lear A Level English Question For Dummies
Humours – The theory suggests that each person is balanced and when a certain part of them is unbalanced they are likely to lose control of their mental state. The four humours are Yellow Bile, Black Bile, Phlegm and
Blood.
King James – Took over from Elizabeth the first, many themes in King Lear are linked to King James himself.
Chain of Being – Everything in the world has a specific order. the more spirit an object was thought you have, the higher they would be on the
divine order.
Shakespeare’s Globe – this is the open air theatre where Shakespeare’s plays were mainly performed. It has 3 tiers for groundlings, patrons and
royalty.
The Oedipus Rex Part
Many parts of Lear link to Oedipus Rex
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Blindness –
Oedipus constantly refers to blindness He goes against the blind prophet Tireseas
who ironically has better sight then him Oedipus blinds himself at the end of the
play
Social and Political roles –
Both Oedipus and Lear upset the balance through accepting or denying their kingship
This breaches the natural code
The tragedy of each play is the result of corruption of the order
Destiny
Lear and Oedipus have no choice in their fates
There is nothing
Justice
There is poetic justice throughout both plays
How To Answer A King Lear A Level English Question For Dummies
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Social and Political roles –
Both Oedipus and Lear upset the balance through accepting or denying their kingship
This breaches the natural code
The tragedy of each play is the result of corruption of the order
Destiny
Lear and Oedipus have no choice in their fates
There is nothing
Justice
There is poetic justice throughout both plays
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