Cory Kim

AP Literature

King Lear Cornell Notes Acts I-III

Betrayal And in thy best consideration check

this hideous rashness. Answer my life my
judgment,
thy youngest daughter does not love thee
least,
nor are those empty-hearted whose low
sound
reverb no hollowness. (5)

Forgiveness If but as well I other accents borrow

That can my speech defuse, my good intent
may carry through itself to that full issue
for which I razed my likeness. Now, banished
Kent,
If thou canst serve where thou dost stand
condemned,
so may it come thy master, whom thou lov'st,
shall find thee full of labors. (18)

Power But true it is, from France there comes a

power
into this scattered kingdom, who already,
wise in our negligence, have secret feet
in some of our best ports and are at point
to show their open banner. (56)

Social Class Sir, I am too old to learn.

call not your stocks for me. I serve the king,
on whose employment I was sent to you.
you shall do small respect, show too bold
malice
against the grace and person of my master
(40)

Justice Nor rain, wind, thunder, fire, are my

daughters.
I tax not you, you elements, with unkindness.
I never gave you kingdom, called you
children;
you owe me no subscription. Then let fall
your horrible pleasure. Here I stand, your
slave,
A poor, infirm, weak, and despised old man.
but yet I call you servile ministers,
that have with two pernicious daughters join
your high engendered battles 'gainst a head
so old and white as this. (57)