Find the perfect quote to float your boat. Shmoop breaks down key quotations from King Lear.
Family Quotes
KENTI thought the king had more affected the Duke of Albany than Cornwall. (1.1.1-2)
Power Quotes
LEARMeantime we shall express our darker purpose.—
Give me the map there. He is handed a map. ...
Justice Quotes
LEAR […] O heavens, If you do love old men, if your sweet sway Show obedience, if you yourselves are old, Make it your cause. Send down, and take my part. (2.4.217-220)
Language and Communication Quotes
LEARTell me, my daughters—
Since now we will divest us both of rule, Interest of territory, cares of state—
Which of you shall we say doth love us most? That we our largest bount...
Gender Quotes
LEARHear, Nature, hear, dear goddess, hear! Suspend thy purpose if thou didst intend To make this creature fruitful. Into her womb convey sterility. Dry up in her the organs of increase, And from h...
Society and Class Quotes
EDMUNDWherefore should I Stand in the plague of custom, and permit The curiosity of nations to deprive me For that I am some twelve or fourteen moonshines Lag of a brother? why 'bastard'? Wherefore...
Loyalty Quotes
CORDELIAGood my lord, You have begot me, bred me, loved me.I return those duties back as are right fit: Obey you, love you, and most honor you. Why have my sisters husbands if they say They love yo...
Compassion and Forgiveness Quotes
REGAN […] Shut up your doors: He is attended with a desperate train, And what they may incense him to, being apt To have his ear abused, wisdom bids fear. CORNWALL Shut up your doors, my lord. 'T...