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! Question Use the passage to answer the question. How does Gloucester’s language help dramatize the scene? (1 point) Responses Gloucester uses plain language in order to demonstrate that he has nothing left to lose. Gloucester uses plain language in order to demonstrate that he has nothing left to lose. Gloucester uses forgiving language in order to placate Lear’s daughter and avoid their wrath. Gloucester uses forgiving language in order to placate Lear’s daughter and avoid their wrath. Gloucester uses stern language to criticize Lear’s daughters, which undermines their motives. Gloucester uses stern language to criticize Lear’s daughters, which undermines their motives. Gloucester uses pleading language to beg for forgiveness in an attempt to escape his punishment. Gloucester uses pleading language to beg for forgiveness in an attempt to escape his punishment. Gloucester uses strong language to condemn Lear’s daughters, which motivates Cornwall to blind him.
