King Lear Act I

Lear's comment that "nothing will come of nothing" can best be interpreted as

• "it is impossible for matter to spring from out of nowhere."

• "if you think this kingdom is but a trifle, you will be presumed to be equally insignificant."

• "there is nothing of value to be unearthed where there is no kingdom."

• "the response you've just given me will get you no part of the kingdom."

Who proposes to Cordelia?

• The Duke of Burgundy

• The Earl of Vermilion

• The King of France

• no one

• The Crimson Knight

How does Lear plan to divide his kingdom?

• by age: the oldest gets the most, the youngest gets the least

• according to how much he loves the daughters' husbands

• equally

• along natural geographical borders

• according to the love each daughter claims to have for him

What is the essence of the letter that Gloucester assumes is written by Edgar?

• It questions Gloucester's role in Lear's current policies and his recent division of the kingdom.

• It suggests that the two sons rid themselves of their father so they might get their inheritances sooner.

• It wonders aloud if their father has become a tyrant.

• It expresses concern for Gloucester's recent decline in health.

When Lear asks, "Which of you shall we say doth love us most?" which of these responses does NOT employ hyperbole?

• "I love you more than words can wield the matter."

• "I profess / Myself an enemy to all other joys."

• "I love your majesty / According to my bond."

• "I love you . . . As much as child e'er loved, or father found."

The Fool's lines often reveal that

• he is Lear's long-lost son

• he is Kent in disguise

• he is, paradoxically, wise

• he is in love with Cordelia

Who delivers a soliloquy about his unfair circumstances in life?

• Edmund

• Edgar

• Gloucester

• Lear

• the Fool

Which of Gloucester's sons is the "legitimate" one?

• Edgar

• Edmund

• Edward

• Edith

• Edvaard

Why does King Lear gather his daughters together in this act?

• He wants to give them each cash gift

• He wants to divide up his kingdom among them

• He wants to tell them how much he loves them

• He wants them to tell each other how much they love their siblings

How do Regan and Goneril's answers to their father's request compare to Cordelia's answer?

• Regan and Goneril tell their father what he wants to hear, while Cordelia tells the truth

• Regan and Goneril tell their father lies, while Cordelia tells the truth

• Regan and Goneril avoid answering their father's question directly while Cordelia clearly answers

• Regan and Goneril answer quickly while Cordelia avoids directly responding