King Lear · Chapter
Scene I explained
King Lear divides his kingdom, disowns Cordelia for her honest refusal to flatter him, and banishes Kent for defending her.
What happens
King Lear divides his kingdom, disowns Cordelia for her honest refusal to flatter him, and banishes Kent for defending her. The King of France marries Cordelia despite her dowryless state, while Goneril and Regan privately plot to curb their father's remaining authority.
Themes in this chapter
Filial Ingratitude
Lear perceives Cordelia's honest refusal as ingratitude, while Goneril and Regan's flattery masks their true intentions.
Appearance vs. Reality
Goneril and Regan's lavish declarations of love contrast with their private scheming; Cordelia's plainness hides deep loyalty.
Power and Authority
Lear's rash exercise of power in disowning Cordelia and banishing Kent reveals the fragility of his authority.
Characters to notice
- King Lear
Disowns Cordelia, banishes Kent, and divides his kingdom between Goneril and Regan.
- Cordelia
Refuses to flatter Lear, is disowned, and departs with the King of France.
- Kent
Defends Cordelia, is banished by Lear for his plain speaking.
- Goneril
Receives her portion of the kingdom and conspires with Regan to manage Lear.
- Regan
Receives her portion and agrees with Goneril to limit Lear's authority.
- Edmund
Not present in this scene.
- Gloucester
Re-enters with France and Burgundy to present them to Lear.
- Albany
Present during Lear's division of the kingdom and Kent's banishment.
- Cornwall
Present during Lear's division of the kingdom and Kent's banishment.
Key passages
“Nothing will come of nothing: speak again.”
You cannot get something from nothing; try again.
Lear's threat to Cordelia, demanding a more flattering answer.
“I cannot heave my heart into my mouth: I love your majesty According to my bond; nor more nor less.”
I cannot express my love with empty words; I love you as a daughter should, no more and no less.
Cordelia's honest but blunt declaration of love.
“The bow is bent and drawn, make from the shaft.”
The bow is ready to shoot; get out of the way.
Lear warns Kent to stop speaking or face the consequences.