King Lear Revision Checkpoints Act 3 Scene 6

King Lear Revision Checkpoints Act 3, Scene 6 Power. Point 1. Investigating Shakespeare’s Language 2. Analysing Dramatic Techniques 3. 4. 5. Quote Quiz Characterisation Personal Perspectives

Scene 6 ACT 3 1. INVESTIGATING SHAKESPEARE’S LANGUAGE Performance extract: Act 3, Scene 6 You. Tube Clip 12 Act 3, Scene 5/6 Watch this performance by the National Theatre in the UK. Note: The Act and Scene numbers are slightly different in this National Theatre production. 2

Scene 6 ACT 3 NOTE There is no definitive version of Shakespeare’s King Lear. Over the past 400 years, the text of the play has been printed in several formats. Directors of theatrical productions, such as this one, often make changes for dramatic effect. As a result, stage versions can differ in many ways from the written text that is being studied in school and lines are sometimes omitted. 3

Scene 6 ACT 3 1. Listen closely to Lear’s tone of voice when he says ‘hard hearts’. Which two of these adjectives best describe it? • domineering • wretched • forlorn • angry • merciless Write a short paragraph giving reasons for your choice. 4

Scene 6 ACT 3 2. Examine the king’s language when he assumes the role of judge in the mock trial: LEAR: I here take my oath before this honourable assembly, she kicked [hit] the poor king her father. Rewrite two phrases that use formal legal language. In your opinion, why is Lear using this type of formal judicial language in a hut? Write a short paragraph to explain your views. 5

Scene 6 ACT 3 3. Describe the Fool’s tone when he replies to Lear. FOOL: I took you for a joint-stool. Consider whether the Fool is or is not mocking Lear. The audience laughs at this line. Are they relieved that humour breaks the harrowing mood of the scene? Do they laugh at Lear’s expense? Write a paragraph explaining your views on this particular incident. 6

Scene 6 ACT 3 4. Edgar is present in this scene disguised as a madman, Poor Tom. POOR TOM/EDGAR: My tears begin to take his part so much, / They’ll mar my counterfeiting. Rewrite this line and explain what it means. Use some of the suggestions on the next slide to guide you. 7

Scene 6 ACT 3 • He is afraid that he will give himself away by his tears. • He is distraught at the pitiful sight of the oncepowerful king. • He feels he cannot keep up this pretence. 8

Scene 6 ACT 3 5. Study Lear’s vicious reaction when he attacks the Fool, whom he believes is Goneril. What do his body language, facial expression and actions reveal about his character? What do you think he is thinking and feeling now? • embarrassment • anger • shame • disappointment • vengefulness Write a short paragraph explaining your choice. 9

Scene 6 ACT 3 Heartlessness LEAR: Then let them anatomise Regan, see what breeds about her heart. • What have Goneril and Regan done to their father? • Why does Lear want his daughter dissected? • Do you think Lear is beginning to realise that he does not know or really understand his daughters? What evidence can you find in the scene to support your view? 10

Scene 6 ACT 3 2. ANALYSING DRAMATIC TECHNIQUES Props: A prop is a portable object used on the set of a play. Replay the link to this scene and now pay particular attention to the actions of Lear as he rearranges the props, which belong in a poor man’s hut, into a judicial court. This scene is a mockery of a proper court scene. 11

Scene 6 ACT 3 When the verdict and punishment are given, who are the jury? Who is the judge? Are the accused present? Prepare a two-minute oral presentation or write a paragraph outlining the new arrangements and explain why Lear is trying to create a new reality. 12

Scene 6 ACT 3 3. QUOTE QUIZ Successful answering usually requires the effective use of suitable quotations to support your discussion points. To make a positive impression, it is essential that all quotations are accurate. Check your knowledge of the play by selecting the correct quote from each of the following. (Answers on slide 24) 13

Scene 6 ACT 3 1. EDGAR (a) Frateretto calls me (b) I am called by Frateretto (c) Which of the devil calls me? 14

Scene 6 ACT 3 2. FOOL (a) I thought you were the table (b) I took you for a joint-stool (c) They are no more than stools 15

Scene 6 ACT 3 3. LEAR (a) Then let them anatomise Regan (b) Then let them cut open Regan (c) Dissect these daughters 16

Scene 6 ACT 3 4. KENT (a) I must keep patience (b) Patience is a virtue (c) Sir, where is the patience now, / That thou so oft have boasted to retain? 17

Scene 6 ACT 3 5. LEAR (a) The little dogs are whining (b) Tray, Blanch, and Sweetheart – see, they bark at me (c) Barking dogs attack me 18

Scene 6 ACT 3 6. LEAR (a) To have a thousand with red burning spits/ Come hizzing in upon ’em! (b) My daughters must be punished (c) Hizzing fire will torture them 19

Scene 6 ACT 3 7. KENT (a) All the power of his wits have given way to his impatience (b) His powerful wits have given way to impatience (c) Impatience has overcome his wits 20

Scene 6 ACT 3 8. LEAR (a) Arraign her first. ’Tis Goneril (b) Goneril stands accused (c) Goneril should be arraigned 21

Scene 6 ACT 3 9. LEAR (a) Goneril won’t deny it (b) She won’t refute it (c) She cannot deny it 22

Scene 6 ACT 3 10. LEAR (a) And she is twisted and devious (b) And here’s another, whose twisted looks proclaim/ What store her heart is made on (c) And here’s another, whose warped looks proclaim/ What store her heart is made on 23

Scene 6 ACT 3 Answers: 1(a), 2(b), 3(a), 4(c), 5(b), 6(a), 7(a), 8(a), 9(c), 10(c) 24

Scene 6 ACT 3 4. CHARACTERISATION The characters Lear and Poor Tom/Edgar reveal themselves in Act 3, Scene 6, the mock trial scene. From your study of this crucial scene, what did you learn about these two central characters? 25

Scene 6 ACT 3 Which of these character traits does Lear represent? • • self-pity childishness realism good judgement • • madness indiscipline vengeance arrogance Choose a key quote from Act 3, Scene 6 to support your view of Lear. 26

Scene 6 ACT 3 Which of these character traits does Poor Tom/Edgar represent? • • loyalty good sense rebelliousness pretence • • courage realism bluntness honesty Choose a key quote from Act 3, Scene 6 to support your view of Poor Tom/Edgar. 27

Scene 6 ACT 3 Which of these character traits does Kent represent? • • reliability common sense treachery loyalty • • pretence bravery candour trustworthiness Choose a key quote from Act 3, Scene 6 to support your view of Kent. 28

Scene 6 ACT 3 5. PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES The view of the actor: Act 3, Scene 6 You. Tube Clip 14 King Lear: King Lear’s Madness Watch the interview with the actor playing Lear (Simon Russell Beale). 29

Scene 6 ACT 3 • The actor discusses Lear’s madness. He refers to Lear’s hallucinations and how frightening they can be. • Write a paragraph on the images Lear believes he sees in this particular scene, Act 3, Scene 6. 30

Scene 6 ACT 3 My Personal Opinion • Prepare a two-minute oral presentation or write a paragraph either agreeing or disagreeing with the views expressed in the clip. Use accurate quotations to support your own opinions. 31