How do the events of Act 1 Scene 1 of ‘King Lear’ prepare the audience for what happens in the rest of the play?

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James Poulter 11n

How do the events of Act 1 Scene 1 of 'King Lear' prepare the audience for what happens in the rest of the play?

The events of Act 1 Scene 1 of prepare the audience for what happens in the rest of the play as Lear intends to split his kingdom between his three daughters. Because he has a weakness to flattery, he intends to get his daughters to say how much they love him and then apportion his land to them on the basis of what he thinks they deserve. Goneril and Regan take advantage of his flaw and flatter him immensely, but Cordelia, his favourite daughter, is honest and tells him truthfully how much she loves him. This causes dramatic consequences because Lear fails to realise the truth and banishes her. Cordelia knew this might happen but is too stubborn to lie. Burgundy no longer wants to marry her because she will not bring any extra wealth or land. France however, sees her for what she is and is prepared to forego future wealth. Kent tries to explain to Lear what is going on but with little effect and he too is banished. Regan and Goneril discuss the situation privately and a sense of rivalry looms. In their discussion they criticise Lear for being too old and suggest that his judgement has deteriorated with old age:
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L288

"You see how full of change his age is: the ob-

servation we have made of it hath not been little

he always lov'd our sister most; and with what

poor judgement he hath now cast her off appears

too grossly"

Lear has a huge ego, which helps to blind him to things that are going on around him. It makes him appear to be unaware of the consequences caused by his actions. Lear isn't totally worthless because when he finds out the truth then he realises he is at fault. ...

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