More on this book
Community
Kindle Notes & Highlights
Lear learns that once time and age have weakened one, without money and power one is almost helpless against the ravages of greed and power-hunger—but his final speech to Cordelia suggests that he also learns that, finally, greed and power-hunger do not really matter.
This play’s special understanding of old age explains in part why this most devastating of Shakespeare’s tragedies is also perhaps his most moving.
Though this knave came something 21 saucily to the world before he was sent for, yet was 22 his mother fair, there was good sport at his making, 23 and the whoreson must be acknowledged.—
Love’s not love 275 When it is mingled with regards that stands 276 Aloof from th’ entire point. Will you have her? 277 She is herself a dowry.
EDMUND Thou, Nature, art my goddess. To thy law 1 My services are bound. Wherefore should I 2 Stand in the plague of custom, and permit 3 The curiosity of nations to deprive me 4 For that I am some twelve or fourteen moonshines 5 Lag of a brother? Why “bastard”? Wherefore “base,” 6 When my dimensions are as well compact, 7 My mind as generous and my shape as true 8 As honest madam’s issue?
And the noble 122 and true-hearted Kent banished! His offense, hon- 123 esty! ’Tis strange.
How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is 302 To have a thankless child.—
FOOL If thou wert my Fool, nuncle, I’d have thee 40 beaten for being old before thy time. 41 LEAR How’s that? 42 FOOL Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst 43 been wise.
Wisdom and goodness to the vile seem vile. 47 Filths savor but themselves.
Through tattered clothes ⟨small⟩ vices do appear. 180 Robes and furred gowns hide all.
Get thee glass eyes, 187 And like a scurvy politician 188 Seem to see the things thou dost not.
