Which lines from Act 1, Scene 1 of King Lear …

English Questions

Which lines from Act 1, Scene 1 of King Lear are illustrated by the painting “King Lear: Cordelia’s Farewell,” depicting a king kissing a lady’s hand in front of a crowd with a dog at their feet? a. Lear: “My lord of Burgundy, we first address toward you, who with this king hath rival’d for our daughter: what in the least will you require in present dower with her, or cease your quest of love?” b. Cordelia: “…what I well intend, I’ll do’t before I speak,‚ÄöAithat you make known it is no vicious blot, murder, or foulness, no unchaste action or dishonour’d step, that hath depriv’d me of your grace and favour…” c. France: “Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich, being poor; most choice forsaken; and most lov’d, despised! Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon: be it lawful, I take up what’s cast away.” d. Lear: “Thou hast her, France: let her be thine; for we have no such daughter, nor shall ever see that face of hers again. Therefore be gone without our grace, our love, our benison. Come, noble Burgundy.”

Short Answer

The painting ‘King Lear: Cordelia’s Farewell’ depicts a pivotal moment from Shakespeare’s play, illustrating King Lear’s emotional rejection of his daughter Cordelia after she prioritizes honesty over flattery. This scene emphasizes themes of loyalty, integrity, and the complexities of familial relationships, inviting contemplation on the tragic consequences of pride and misunderstanding.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understanding the Painting

The painting titled ‘King Lear: Cordelia’s Farewell’ captures a crucial moment from Shakespeare’s play ‘King Lear’. It shows a scene where a king is portrayed kissing the hand of a young woman, symbolizing a complex emotional exchange. This imagery is accompanied by a dog in the foreground, which represents loyalty and fidelity, enhancing the emotional weight of the moment.

Step 2: Context from the Play

This artwork aligns specifically with Act 1, Scene 1 of ‘King Lear,’ particularly option d. In this scene, King Lear disowns his daughter Cordelia after she chooses to speak the truth over flattery, unlike her sisters. This harsh rejection signifies a pivotal change in their relationship, where Lear declares that Cordelia will no longer be considered his daughter, reflecting themes of betrayal and misunderstanding.

Step 3: Themes and Significance

Both the painting and the corresponding scene from the play explore profound themes such as loyalty, integrity, and the challenges within familial relationships. Lear’s dismissal of Cordelia not only emphasizes the tragic consequences of pride and deception but also highlights how true worth is often overlooked. The scene and its artistic representation invite viewers to reflect on the complexities of love and loyalty within family dynamics.

Related Concepts

Painting

A visual artwork created using various mediums that represents a moment or scene, often conveying emotions or themes

King Lear

A tragedy written by william shakespeare that explores themes of power, loyalty, and familial relationships through the story of a king who divides his kingdom among his daughters, leading to tragic consequences

Familial Relationships

The connections and dynamics between family members, often characterized by love, loyalty, conflict, and the complexities of interpersonal interactions.

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