1. The purpose of an aside is to
a. show that characters often have secret motives.
b. provide stage directions for the actor to interpret.
c. give the audience insight into off-stage actions.
d. allow a character to give a dramatic speech alone on the stage.
e. share with the audience something other characters cannot hear.
2. Which statement best describes how the motif of blindness develops a theme in King Lear? (1 point)
a. The motif of blindness develops the theme of justice by demonstrating that those who are blinded deserve it.
b. The motif of blindness develops the theme of compassion by showing that others are forgiving of blind spots.
c. The motif of blindness develops the theme of truth by revealing that certain characters are blind to the truth.
d. The motif of blindness develops the theme of power by showing that those who can see clearly have all the power.
e. The motif of blindness develops the theme of betrayal by highlighting that a character’s blindness leads to their betrayal.
Which statement best describes how the context of gender is reflected in King Lear? (1 point)
a. The hierarchy of men over women reflects that women were unlikely to succeed in life.
b. The manipulations by Regan and Goneril reflect that women were often not to be trusted.
c. Cordelia’s ongoing innocence and naiveté reflect that women were less educated than men.
d. Lear’s treatment of his daughters reflects how it was much easier for men to gain their inheritance.
e. Lear’s daughters’ dependence on their inheritance reflects how women were not allowed to be independent.
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 ell-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!
Use the passage to answer the question.
How does Gloucester’s language help dramatize the scene? (1 point)
a. Gloucester uses plain language in order to demonstrate that he has nothing left to lose.
b. Gloucester uses forgiving language in order to placate Lear’s daughter and avoid their wrath.
c. Gloucester uses stern language to criticize Lear’s daughters, which undermines their motives.
d. Gloucester uses pleading language to beg for forgiveness in an attempt to escape his punishment.
e. Gloucester uses strong language to condemn Lear’s daughters, which motivates Cornwall to blind him.
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 ell-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!
Use the passage to answer the question.
How does Gloucester’s speech develop a theme? (1 point)
a. It develops the theme of power by showing that Gloucester has lost his.
b. It develops the theme of betrayal through his accusations against Lear’s daughters.
c.It develops the theme of loyalty by demonstrating Gloucester’s loyalty toward his sons.
d. It develops the theme of justice by portraying the revenge Lear’s daughters are getting.
e. It develops the theme of compassion by highlighting Gloucester’s pity for Lear’s daughters.
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 ell-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!
Use the passage to answer the question.
Which statement best describes how the imagery of the passage affects the tone? (1 point)
a. The imagery is violent, creating a tense tone.
b. The imagery is fiery, creating a tempestuous tone.
c. The imagery is disturbing, creating a startling tone.
d. The imagery is paradoxical, creating a confusing tone.
e.The imagery is disgusting, creating a disapproving tone.
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 ell-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!
Use the passage to answer the question.
What motivation is driving Gloucester’s actions in this passage? (1 point)
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.
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 ell-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!
Use the passage to answer the question. This passage can best be categorized as belonging to the (1 point)
a. climax.
b. exposition.
c. rising action.
d. denouement.
e. falling action.
Excerpt from Act 3, Scene 4 in King Lear
EDGAR: Away! the foul fiend follows me! Through the sharp hawthorn blows the cold wind. Humh! go to thy cold bed, and warm thee.
LEAR: Hast thou given all to thy two daughters, and art thou come to this?
EDGAR: Who gives anything to poor Tom? whom the foul fiend hath led through fire and through flame, through ford and whirlpool, o'er bog and quagmire; that hath laid knives under his pillow and halters in his pew, set ratsbane by his porridge, made him proud of heart, to ride on a bay trotting horse over four-inch'd bridges, to course his own shadow for a traitor. Bless thy five wits! Tom 's acold. O, do de, do de, do de. Bless thee from whirlwinds, star-blasting, and taking! Do poor Tom some charity, whom the foul fiend vexes.
Use the passage to answer the question.
How does the exchange between Lear and Edgar highlight the context of their class differences? How are these characters similar and different despite the different classes they come from? Cite evidence from the text to support your response. Your response should be one paragraph in length.