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Describe what is happening to Lear in this scene - Junior Cycle English - Question 1 - 2008
Question 1
Describe what is happening to Lear in this scene. Support your answer with reference to the text. Expect synopsis of the extract with emphasis on what is happening ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe what is happening to Lear in this scene - Junior Cycle English - Question 1 - 2008
Step 1
Describe what is happening to Lear in this scene.
Answer
In this extract from King Lear, Lear is depicted as a tormented figure, torn between his authority and his vulnerability. The physical storm raging outside symbolizes the internal turmoil he is experiencing. Lear feels abandoned by his daughters, Goneril and Regan, which adds to his emotional distress. He expresses his sense of betrayal, lamenting, "Your old kind father, whose honest heart gave all." He grapples with feelings of homelessness and isolation, as he wanders through the barren countryside, emphasizing the stark contrast between his former kingly status and his current state of despair.
Moreover, the relentless storm mirrors Lear's escalating anger and confusion. Phrases like "the storm is scarce felt" and "tempest in my mind" articulate how the external environment encapsulates his emotional state. Lear's pleas for help, such as "Let me alone," showcase his profound sense of loss and dislocation.
Step 2
Which parts of this extract best capture the atmosphere of the "terrible storm"? Explain your answer with reference to the text.
Answer
The extract captures the atmosphere of the "terrible storm" through vivid imagery and emotional resonance. Lines like "tyranny of open night too rough for nature" evoke the brutal conditions Lear faces, while expressions such as "this terrible storm invades us to the skin" illustrate the overwhelming nature of his suffering. These phrases create a sense of chaos, paralleling Lear's unraveling mental state.
Additionally, statements like "in such a night to shut me out" reflect both the internal and external chaos. Lear’s struggle against the tempest effectively symbolizes his internal conflict and emotional agony, establishing a powerful connection between the storm outside and Lear's own 'internal storm'.
Step 3
You are a member of the audience at a performance of this play. Describe what you see on stage during this scene.
Answer
As an audience member during this scene, I would see a dramatic representation of Lear's anguish against a backdrop of fierce storm effects. The stage might feature dark, swirling clouds and flashes of lightning that reflect the turmoil within Lear. The actors portraying Lear, Kent, and the Fool would deliver their lines with palpable tension, emphasizing Lear's rage and despair.
The use of dim lighting could highlight Lear's isolation while contrasting sharply with flashes meant to represent both the storm and his rage. Sound effects like thunder and howling winds would envelop the audience, enhancing the sense of chaos and urgency. Props such as tattered robes or bare trees could symbolize Lear's loss of status and security, allowing the audience to empathize deeply with Lear's plight.