I would unstate myself to be in a due resolution
Said by Gloucester to Edmund after he read the fake letter – Significant because only when he does lose everything does he learn the truth
And the noble and true-hearted Kent Banished!
Said by Gloucester to Edmund after he read the fake letter discussing the stars – Significant because it shows the reverse of natural order
Let me, if not by birth, have lands by wit; all with me’s meet that I can fashion fit
Said by Edmund to himself after he gives Gloucester the letter and gains Edgars trust. Significant because he cannot get land by birth so he must use his brain
Why, no, boy. Nothing can be made out of nothing.
Said by Lear to the fool when Lear and Fool are talking in Gonerils castle. Significant because it shows how Lear has not progressed in his journey.
Loyal and natural boy, I’ll work the means to make thee capable.
Said by Gloucester when Edgar supposedly attacked Edmund after refusing to kill Gloucester. Significant because it is Edmunds first advancement towards fortune.
Make your own purpose, how in my strength you please……. You we first seize on
Said by Cornwall after Edmund fights Edgar in Gloucester’s castle. Significant because Edmunds 2nd advancement to fortunes.
That’s something yet! Edgar I nothing am.
Said by Edgar when disguising himself as a beggar. Significant because Edgar has changed places with Edmund; Edgar has abandoned his identity to stay alive. He now has to follow nature’s laws.
Fathers that wear rags do make their children blind; But fathers that bear bags shall see their children kind.
Said by the Fool to Lear when Lear discovers Kent in the stocks. Significant because perfect commentary of the play.
Man’s life is cheap as beast’s.
Said by Lear to Goneral and Regan when disputing over his knights. Significant because it says anybody can be brought down to the level of a beast even a king.
Thou art a lady: if only to go warm were gorgeous, why, nature needs not what thou gorgeous wearest
Said by Lear when arguing with Goneril and Regan about his knights. Significant because Lear is right, he says don’t argue with reason when your clothes are unreasonable.
That things might change or cease; tears his white hair, which the impetuous blasts, with eyeless rage, catch in their fury and make nothing of;
Said by Gentleman when describing the storm. Significant because it shadows Lear’s emotions during the division scene. Shows how Lear is godlike and weak at the same time.
Your horrible pleasure. Here I stand your slave, a poor, infirm, weak, and dispised old man.
Said by Lear after he left Gloucester’s castle and ventures out into the storm. Significant because it shows how he if becoming more insane and his insight also increases. Central irony in the play.