are illustrated by the painting…

English Questions
Short Answer
Step by Step Solution
English Questions

Which lines from Act 1, Scene 1 of “The Tragedy of King Lear” are illustrated by the painting “King Lear: Cordelia’s Farewell,” which depicts a king kissing a lady’s hand in front of a crowd with a dog nearby? A. Lear: My lord of Burgundy, we first address toward you, who with this king hath rivall’d for our daughter: What in the least will you require in present dower with her, or cease your quest of love? B. Cordelia: …what I well intend, I’ll do’t before I speak,‚Äîthat you make known it is no vicious blot, murder, or foulness, no unchaste action or dishonour’d step, that hath depriv’d me of your grace and favour… C. France: Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich, being poor; most choice forsaken; and most lov’d, despis’d! Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon: be it lawful, I take up what’s cast away. D. Lear: Thou hast her, France: let her be thine; for we have no such daughter, nor shall ever see that face of hers again. Therefore be gone without our grace, our love, our benison. Come, noble Burgundy.

Short Answer

The painting ‘King Lear: Cordelia’s Farewell’ portrays a pivotal moment where King Lear disowns Cordelia, symbolized by Lear kissing her hand as a farewell. The artwork explores themes of loyalty and betrayal, highlighting the emotional turmoil from miscommunication and pride, while emphasizing the contrast between genuine love and superficial flattery, ultimately illustrating tragic consequences within familial relationships.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Depiction of the Scene

The painting ‘King Lear: Cordelia’s Farewell’ captures a crucial moment from Act 1, Scene 1 of Shakespeare’s ‘King Lear’. In this pivotal scene, King Lear disowns his youngest daughter, Cordelia, after she refuses to flatter him as her sisters do. This rejection is visually symbolized by Lear kissing Cordelia’s hand, indicating a farewell to their relationship.

2. Symbolism in the Artwork

In the painting, the presence of a dog at the forefront serves as a powerful symbol of loyalty and fidelity, contrasting with Lear’s impulsive decision to disown Cordelia. The imagery reflects the emotional turmoil and the complexities of their familial bond, emphasizing how miscommunication and pride can fracture relationships. This element highlights the themes of loyalty and betrayal that reverberate throughout the play.

3. Themes Explored

The scene, along with the painting, delves deep into the themes of integrity and the *natural worth* of a person. While Lear’s harsh treatment of Cordelia reveals his flawed character, it also amplifies the appreciation that other characters, like France, have for her true qualities. This divergence underscores the tragic consequences of valuing superficial flattery over genuine emotion within the context of familial relationships.

Related Concepts

Depiction of the scene

The visual representation of a significant moment in shakespeare’s ‘king lear’, specifically the disownment of cordelia by king lear, symbolized through physical gestures like kissing cordelia’s hand as a sign of farewell.

Symbolism

The use of objects or figures in the artwork, such as the dog, to represent deeper meanings like loyalty and fidelity, and to contrast with king lear’s decisions and the emotional complexities of his relationships.

Themes

The overarching ideas explored in the painting and scene, focusing on integrity, the natural worth of individuals, and the impact of valuing superficiality over genuine connections in familial bonds.

Table Of Contents
  1. Which lines from Act 1, Scene 1 of "The Tragedy of King Lear" are illustrated by the painting "King Lear: Cordelia's Farewell," which depicts a king kissing a lady's hand in front of a crowd with a dog nearby? A. Lear: My lord of Burgundy, we first address toward you, who with this king hath rivall'd for our daughter: What in the least will you require in present dower with her, or cease your quest of love? B. Cordelia: …what I well intend, I'll do't before I speak,‚Äîthat you make known it is no vicious blot, murder, or foulness, no unchaste action or dishonour'd step, that hath depriv'd me of your grace and favour… C. France: Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich, being poor; most choice forsaken; and most lov'd, despis'd! Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon: be it lawful, I take up what's cast away. D. Lear: Thou hast her, France: let her be thine; for we have no such daughter, nor shall ever see that face of hers again. Therefore be gone without our grace, our love, our benison. Come, noble Burgundy.

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