Kent. Sir, 'tis my occupation to be plain.
I have seen better faces in my time
Than stands on any shoulder that I see
Before me at this instant.
Corn. This is some fellow
Who, having been prais'd for bluntness, doth affect
A saucy roughness, and constrains the garb
Quite from his nature. He cannot flatter, he!
An honest mind and plain—he must speak truth!
An they will take it, so; if not, he's plain.
These kind of knaves I know which in this plainness
Harbour more craft and more corrupter ends
Than twenty silly-ducking observants
That stretch their duties nicely.
Use the passage to answer the question.
How does the dramatic irony in the passage support Shakespeare's themes regarding the topic of betrayal? Cite evidence from the text to support your response. Your response should be one paragraph in length.
The dramatic irony in this passage supports Shakespeare's themes regarding the topic of betrayal by portraying Kent as a straightforward and honest character, while the audience knows that he is actually using this persona to disguise his true motives. When Cornwall accuses Kent of affecting a "saucy roughness" and "constraining the garb quite from his nature," he is unknowingly describing the true nature of Kent's deception. This demonstrates how Kent, through his plain and honest demeanor, is able to gain the trust of those around him, while he secretly harbors "more craft and more corrupter ends" than anyone suspects. This use of dramatic irony serves to highlight the theme of betrayal, as it shows that betrayal can often come from unexpected sources and people who appear to be trustworthy.
Excerpt from act 2, scene 2 of King Lear
OSW. Why dost thou use me thus? I know thee not.
KENT. Fellow, I know thee.
OSW. What dost thou know me for?
KENT. A knave; a rascal; an eater of broken meats; a base, proud, shallow, beggarly, three-suited, hundred-pound, filthy, worsted-stocking knave; a lily-liver'd, action-taking, whoson, glass-gazing, superserviceable, finical rogue; one-trunk-inheriting slave; one that wouldst be a bawd in way of good service, and art nothing but the composition of a knave, beggar, coward, pander, and the son and heir of a mongrel witch; one whom I will beat into clamorous whining, if thou deny the least syllable of thy addition.
OSW. Why, what a monstrous fellow art thou, thus to rail on one that's neither known of thee nor knows thee!
KENT. What a brazen-fac'd varlet art thou, to deny thou knowest me! Is it two days ago since I beat thee and tripp'd up thy heels before the King? [Draws his sword.] Draw, you rogue! for, though it be night, yet the moon shines. I'll make a sop o' th' moonshine o' you. Draw, you whoson cullionly barbermonger! draw!
Use the passage to answer the question.
Which statement best describes Kent’s role in relation to the plot during this passage? (1 point)
Kent’s feelings of personal betrayal by Oswald heighten the tension.
Kent’s argument convinces Oswald to join Kent in supporting King Lear.
Kent’s confrontation of Oswald demonstrates Kent’s loyalty to King Lear.
Kent’s disguise allows him to trick Oswald into revealing crucial information.
Kent’s revelation to Oswald of his true identity changes Oswald’s opinion of Kent.
The best statement that describes Kent's role in relation to the plot during this passage is that Kent’s confrontation of Oswald demonstrates Kent’s loyalty to King Lear. In the passage, Kent aggressively confronts Oswald and insults him, showing his loyalty to King Lear by defending him against those who would harm or disrespect him. This action further underscores Kent's commitment to serving and protecting the king, as well as his willingness to stand up for what he believes in.
Excerpt from act 2, scene 2 of King Lear
OSW. Why dost thou use me thus? I know thee not.
KENT. Fellow, I know thee.
OSW. What dost thou know me for?
KENT. A knave; a rascal; an eater of broken meats; a base, proud, shallow, beggarly, three-suited, hundred-pound, filthy, worsted-stocking knave; a lily-liver'd, action-taking, whoson, glass-gazing, superserviceable, finical rogue; one-trunk-inheriting slave; one that wouldst be a bawd in way of good service, and art nothing but the composition of a knave, beggar, coward, pander, and the son and heir of a mongrel witch; one whom I will beat into clamorous whining, if thou deny the least syllable of thy addition.
OSW. Why, what a monstrous fellow art thou, thus to rail on one that's neither known of thee nor knows thee!
KENT. What a brazen-fac'd varlet art thou, to deny thou knowest me! Is it two days ago since I beat thee and tripp'd up thy heels before the King? [Draws his sword.] Draw, you rogue! for, though it be night, yet the moon shines. I'll make a sop o' th' moonshine o' you. Draw, you whoson cullionly barbermonger! draw!
Use the passage to answer the question.
Which quotation from the excerpt best reveals a character’s motivation?
OSW. “Why dost thou use me thus?”
KENT. “Fellow, I know thee.”
KENT. “A knave; a rascal; an eater of broken meats . . .”
OSW. “Why, what a monstrous fellow art thou . . .”
KENT. “I'll make a sop o' th' moonshine o' you.”