Excerpt from Act 3, Scene 7 of King Lear
GLOUCESTER: Because I would not see thy cruel nails
Pluck out his poor old eyes; nor thy fierce sister
In his anointed flesh stick boarish fangs.
The sea, with such a storm as his bare head
In hell-black night endur'd, would have buoy'd up
And quench'd the steeled fires.
Yet, poor old heart, he holp the heavens to rain.
If wolves had at thy gate howl'd that stern time,
Thou shouldst have said, 'Good porter, turn the key.'
All cruels else subscrib'd. But I shall see
The winged vengeance overtake such children.
CORNWALL: See't shalt thou never. Fellows, hold the chair.
Upon these eyes of thine I'll set my foot.
GLOUCESTER: He that will think to live till he be old,
Give me some help!—O cruel! O ye gods!
What motivation is driving Gloucester’s actions in this passage?
a. Gloucester’s helplessness is motivating him to lash out at Regan and Goneril unfairly.
b. Gloucester’s sense of betrayal is motivating him to get revenge on Regan and Goneril.
c. Gloucester’s compassion is motiving him to get help for Lear even if it costs him is sight.
d. Gloucester’s loyalty to Lear is motivating him to scold Regan and Goneril despite the risk.
e. Gloucester’s lack of power is motivating him to grow bold because he has nothing to lose.