document_id int64 0 4.73k | id stringlengths 7 214 | question stringclasses 1
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4,586 | 1134_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Polixenes and Camillo enter; they are in the middle of a discussion. The King of Bohemia has asked Camillo to drop his request to return to Sicilia, but Camillo cannot; he urges Polixenes to allow him to return to his beloved Sicilia because the penitent Leontes has requested him to do so. Camillo is growing old; he lo... | [
"Bohemia. The palace of POLIXENES",
"Enter POLIXENES and CAMILLO",
"POLIXENES. I pray thee, good Camillo, be no more importunate:\n'tis\n a sickness denying thee anything; a death to grant this. CAMILLO. It is fifteen years since I saw my country; though I\nhave\n for the most part been aired abroad, I de... |
4,587 | 1134_scene_3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Autolycus enters singing a bawdy ballad. He interrupts his song to announce that he was once a well-dressed servant to Prince Florizel, but he is now out of service. Now, he collects odds and ends. There are hints that he steals them. With the help of harlots and dice, he has acquired his current attire. His favorite s... | [
"Bohemia. A road near the SHEPHERD'S cottage",
"Enter AUTOLYCUS, singing",
"When daffodils begin to peer,\n With heigh! the doxy over the dale,\n Why, then comes in the sweet o' the year,\n For the red blood reigns in the winter's pale.",
"The white sheet bleaching on the hedge,\n Wi... |
4,588 | 1134_scene_4 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Florizel and Perdita enter in the middle of a discussion about their future. Florizel then talks about Perdita's role in the feast. He urges her to abandon her identification as the shepherd's daughter while she has this opportunity to exhibit the mythical and royal qualities that he sees in her. But Perdita rejects th... | [
"Bohemia. The SHEPHERD'S cottage",
"Enter FLORIZEL and PERDITA",
"FLORIZEL. These your unusual weeds to each part of you\n Do give a life- no shepherdess, but Flora\n Peering in April's front. This your sheep-shearing\n Is as a meeting of the petty gods,\n And you the Queen on't. PERDITA. Sir, my gr... |
4,589 | 1134_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Back in Sicilia, Leontes' subjects are urging him to end his long years of penitence. Cleomenes urges that Leontes "do as the heavens have done, forget your evil;/ With them forgive yourself." But Leontes says that he cannot forgive himself as long as he remembers the virtues of Hermione and feels the absence of an hei... | [
"ACT V. SCENE I.\nSicilia. The palace of LEONTES",
"Enter LEONTES, CLEOMENES, DION, PAULINA, and OTHERS",
"CLEOMENES. Sir, you have done enough, and have perform'd\n A saint-like sorrow. No fault could you make\n Which you have not redeem'd; indeed, paid down\n More penitence than done trespass. At the... |
4,590 | 1134_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Autolycus organizes the majority of the events in this scene, which is a great help since it is told in fragments. First, Autolycus questions three gentlemen about proceedings in the nearby palace of Leontes. Gradually, he gathers information about the shepherd's testimony. The first gentleman heard only a vague refere... | [
"Sicilia. Before the palace of LEONTES",
"Enter AUTOLYCUS and a GENTLEMAN",
"AUTOLYCUS. Beseech you, sir, were you present at this relation? FIRST GENTLEMAN. I was by at the opening of the fardel, heard\nthe\n old shepherd deliver the manner how he found it; whereupon,\nafter\n a little amazedness, we wer... |
4,591 | 1134_scene_3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | As the celebration party strolls through Paulina's estate on their way to Hermione's statue, Leontes praises the hostess for her years of good service. When Paulina reveals Hermione, who is standing like a statue, the group is stunned into silence. Leontes speaks first of the statue's lifelike appearance, then notes: "... | [
"Sicilia. A chapel in PAULINA's house",
"Enter LEONTES, POLIXENES, FLORIZEL, PERDITA, CAMILLO, PAULINA,\nLORDS and ATTENDANTS",
"LEONTES. O grave and good Paulina, the great comfort That I have had of thee! PAULINA. What, sovereign sir, I did not well, I meant well. All my services You have paid home; but that ... |
4,572 | 1134_act_1,_scenes_1-2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | In the kingdom of Sicilia, King Leontes is being visited by his childhood friend, King Polixenes of Bohemia. One of Leontes's lords, Camillo, discusses the striking differences between the two kingdoms with a Bohemian nobleman, Archidamus. The conversation then turns to the great and enduring friendship between the two... | [
"Sicilia. The palace of LEONTES",
"Enter CAMILLO and ARCHIDAMUS",
"ARCHIDAMUS. If you shall chance, Camillo, to visit Bohemia, on\nthe\n like occasion whereon my services are now on foot, you shall\nsee,\n as I have said, great difference betwixt our Bohemia and your\n Sicilia. CAMILLO. I think this co... |
4,573 | 1134_act_2,_scenes_1-3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Hermione asks her little boy, Mamillius, to sit by her and tell her a story. Meanwhile, Leontes storms in, having just learned of Polixenes's escape and Camillo's role in accomplishing it. To his diseased mind, this is proof positive that his suspicions were correct--he decides that Camillo must have been in Polixenes'... | [
"Sicilia. The palace of LEONTES",
"Enter HERMIONE, MAMILLIUS, and LADIES",
"HERMIONE. Take the boy to you; he so troubles me, 'Tis past enduring. FIRST LADY. Come, my gracious lord, Shall I be your playfellow? MAMILLIUS. No, I'll none of you. FIRST LADY. Why, my sweet lord? MAMILLIUS. You'll kiss me hard, and s... |
4,592 | 1134_act_3,_scenes_1-2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Making their way back from Delphi, the lords Dion and Cleomenes discuss events in their native Sicilia, and express their hope that the message they bring from the Oracle will vindicate the unfortunate Hermione. Meanwhile, Leontes convenes a court, with himself as judge, in order to give his wife a fair trial. She is b... | [
"Sicilia. On the road to the Capital",
"Enter CLEOMENES and DION",
"CLEOMENES. The climate's delicate, the air most sweet,\n Fertile the isle, the temple much surpassing\n The common praise it bears. DION. I shall report,\n For most it caught me, the celestial habits-\n Methinks I so should term the... |
4,593 | 1134_act_3,_scene_3-act_4,_scene_3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Unaware of the Oracle's revelations, Antigonus has arrived on the desolate Bohemian coast, bearing the infant princess. He tells the audience how Hermione appeared to him in a dream, telling him to name the babe Perdita, and declaring that he would never see his home, or his wife Paulina, again. He lays the infant down... | [
"Bohemia. The sea-coast",
"Enter ANTIGONUS with the CHILD, and a MARINER",
"ANTIGONUS. Thou art perfect then our ship hath touch'd upon\n The deserts of Bohemia? MARINER. Ay, my lord, and fear\n We have landed in ill time; the skies look grimly\n And threaten present blusters. In my conscience,\n Th... |
4,588 | 1134_act_4,_scene_4 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | On the day of the sheepshearing, Perdita and Florizel walk together outside her home. She is decked out in flowers, and he compliments her on her grace and beauty. It quickly becomes apparent that the couple is deeply in love, but Perdita expresses concern over the possibility of their eventual union, pointing out that... | [
"Bohemia. The SHEPHERD'S cottage",
"Enter FLORIZEL and PERDITA",
"FLORIZEL. These your unusual weeds to each part of you\n Do give a life- no shepherdess, but Flora\n Peering in April's front. This your sheep-shearing\n Is as a meeting of the petty gods,\n And you the Queen on't. PERDITA. Sir, my gr... |
4,576 | 1134_act_5,_scenes_1-3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | In Sicilia, Leontes is still in mourning for Hermione and Mamillius, although some of his lords urge him to forget the past, forgive himself, and marry again. Paulina, however, encourages his continued contrition, and extracts from him a promise that he will never take another wife until she gives him leave. Word comes... | [
"ACT V. SCENE I.\nSicilia. The palace of LEONTES",
"Enter LEONTES, CLEOMENES, DION, PAULINA, and OTHERS",
"CLEOMENES. Sir, you have done enough, and have perform'd\n A saint-like sorrow. No fault could you make\n Which you have not redeem'd; indeed, paid down\n More penitence than done trespass. At the... |
4,594 | 2266_act_1_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Gloucester and Kent, loyal to King Lear, objectively discuss his division of the kingdom and to which dukes, Cornwall and Albany, they believe it will equally fall. Kent is introduced to Gloucester's illegitimate son, Edmund. Gloucester nonchalantly admits that the boy's breeding has been his charge ever since impregna... | [
"Actus Primus. Scoena Prima.",
"Enter Kent, Gloucester, and Edmond.",
"Kent. I thought the King had more affected the\nDuke of Albany, then Cornwall",
"Glou. It did alwayes seeme so to vs: But\nnow in the diuision of the Kingdome, it appeares\nnot which of the Dukes hee valewes\nmost, for qualities are so wei... |
4,595 | 2266_act_1_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The scene centers around Edmund, at first alone on stage, crying out against his position as bastard to the material world. He is envious of Edgar, the legitimate son, and wishes to gain what he has by forging a treasonous letter concerning Gloucester from Edgar. Gloucester enters, amazed at the events which have occur... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Enter Bastard.",
"Bast. Thou Nature art my Goddesse, to thy Law\nMy seruices are bound, wherefore should I\nStand in the plague of custome, and permit\nThe curiosity of Nations, to depriue me? For that I am some twelue, or fourteene Moonshines\nLag of a Brother? Why Bastard? Wherefore base? W... |
4,596 | 2266_act_1_scene_3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Scene iii reintroduces Goneril, as she is outraged by the offenses she contends Lear has been showing her since moving into her residence. He has struck Oswald for criticizing his fool, his knights are riotous and so on, she claims. Lear is out hunting. Goneril commands Oswald to allow her privacy from Lear and to trea... | [
"Scena Tertia.",
"Enter Gonerill, and Steward.",
"Gon. Did my Father strike my Gentleman for chiding\nof his Foole?\n Ste. I Madam",
"Gon. By day and night, he wrongs me, euery howre\nHe flashes into one grosse crime, or other,\nThat sets vs all at ods: Ile not endure it;\nHis Knights grow riotous, and himse... |
4,597 | 2266_act_1_scene_4 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Kent enters, disguised and hoping to serve in secret as a servant to Lear so that he can help him though he is condemned. Lear accepts to try him as a servant. Oswald comes in quickly before exiting again curtly. A knight tells Lear that Goneril is not well and that Oswald answered him curtly as well. The knight fears ... | [
"Scena Quarta.",
"Enter Kent.",
"Kent. If but as will I other accents borrow,\nThat can my speech defuse, my good intent\nMay carry through it selfe to that full issue\nFor which I raiz'd my likenesse. Now banisht Kent,\nIf thou canst serue where thou dost stand condemn'd,\nSo may it come, thy Master whom thou ... |
4,598 | 2266_act_1_scene_5 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Impatient, Lear sends the disguised Kent to bring letters to Gloucester. The Fool wisely warns that Regan will likely act no better than her sister had. He criticizes Lear for giving away his own home and place, using examples such as a snail carrying his shell. Lear recognizes he will have to subdue his fatherly insti... | [
"Scena Quinta.",
"Enter Lear, Kent, Gentleman, and Foole.",
"Lear. Go you before to Gloster with these Letters;\nacquaint my Daughter no further with any thing you\nknow, then comes from her demand out of the Letter,\nif your Dilligence be not speedy, I shall be there afore\nyou",
"Kent. I will not sleepe my ... |
4,599 | 2266_act_2_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Act II begins with a return to the secondary plot of Edmund, Edgar, and Gloucester. Edmund speaks with the courtier, Curan, who advises him that Regan and Cornwall will arrive shortly at Gloucester's castle. He also passes on the gossip that there may soon be a war between Cornwall and Albany. After Curan leaves, Edmun... | [
"Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.",
"Enter Bastard, and Curan, seuerally.",
"Bast. Saue thee Curan",
"Cur. And you Sir, I haue bin\nWith your Father, and giuen him notice\nThat the Duke of Cornwall, and Regan his Duchesse\nWill be here with him this night",
"Bast. How comes that?\n Cur. Nay I know not, you hau... |
4,600 | 2266_act_2_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Oswald, Goneril's servant, and Kent, still disguised as Lear's servant Caius, meet at Gloucester's castle after first trekking to Cornwall's residence with messages. Oswald does not first recognize Kent but Kent recognizes him and responds to him curtly with curses and name-calling. He claims that Oswald comes with let... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Enter Kent, and Steward seuerally.",
"Stew. Good dawning to thee Friend, art of this house?\n Kent. I",
"Stew. Where may we set our horses?\n Kent. I'th' myre",
"Stew. Prythee, if thou lou'st me, tell me",
"Kent. I loue thee not",
"Ste. Why then I care not for thee",
"Kent. If I h... |
4,601 | 2266_act_3_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | As it continues to storm, Kent enters the stage asking who else is there and where is the King. A gentleman, one of Lear's knights, answers, describing the King as struggling and becoming one with the raging elements of nature. The King has been left alone except for his fool. Kent recognizes the gentleman and fills hi... | [
"Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.",
"Storme still. Enter Kent, and a Gentleman, seuerally.",
"Kent. Who's there besides foule weather?\n Gen. One minded like the weather, most vnquietly",
"Kent. I know you: Where's the King?\n Gent. Contending with the fretfull Elements;\nBids the winde blow the Earth into the S... |
4,602 | 2266_act_3_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | We meet Lear, raging against the storm, daring the storm to break up the Earth. Fool pleads with him to dodge his pride and ask for his daughters' forgiveness so that he can take shelter in the castle. Lear notes that the storm, unlike his daughters, owes him nothing and has no obligation to treat him any better. Still... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Storme still. Enter Lear, and Foole.",
"Lear. Blow windes, & crack your cheeks; Rage, blow\nYou Cataracts, and Hyrricano's spout,\nTill you haue drench'd our Steeples, drown the Cockes.\nYou Sulph'rous and Thought-executing Fires,\nVaunt-curriors of Oake-cleauing Thunder-bolts,\nSindge my whi... |
4,603 | 2266_act_3_scene_3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Gloucester and Edmund speak in confidence. Gloucester complains of the unnatural dealings of Cornwall and Regan, taking over his home and forbidding him to help or appeal for Lear. Edmund feigns agreement. Taking him further in confidence, Gloucester alerts him to the division between Albany and Cornwall. He then tells... | [
"Enter Gloster, and Edmund.",
"Glo. Alacke, alacke Edmund, I like not this vnnaturall\ndealing; when I desired their leaue that I might pity him,\nthey tooke from me the vse of mine owne house, charg'd\nme on paine of perpetuall displeasure, neither to speake\nof him, entreat for him, or any way sustaine him",
... |
4,604 | 2266_act_3_scene_4 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Kent and Lear find their way to the cave, where Lear asks to be left alone. He notes that the storm rages harsher in his own mind and body due to the "filial ingratitude" he has been forced to endure. Thinking it may lead to madness, Lear tries not to think of his daughters' betrayal. Feeling the cruelty of the element... | [
"Scena Quarta.",
"Enter Lear, Kent, and Foole.",
"Kent. Here is the place my Lord, good my Lord enter,\nThe tirrany of the open night's too rough\nFor Nature to endure.",
"Storme still",
"Lear. Let me alone",
"Kent. Good my Lord enter heere",
"Lear. Wilt breake my heart?\n Kent. I had rather breake min... |
4,605 | 2266_act_3_scene_5 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Cornwall and Edmund converse over the information Edmund has shared with him. Edmund plays the part of a tortured son doing his duty for the kingdom. Cornwall muses that Edgar's disloyalty is better understood in terms of his own father's betrayal. Handing over the letter Gloucester had received, Edmund cries out wishi... | [
"Scena Quinta.",
"Enter Cornwall, and Edmund.",
"Corn. I will haue my reuenge, ere I depart his house",
"Bast. How my Lord, I may be censured, that Nature\nthus giues way to Loyaltie, something feares mee to\nthinke of",
"Cornw. I now perceiue, it was not altogether your\nBrothers euill disposition made him... |
4,606 | 2266_act_3_scene_6 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Gloucester finds the group slightly better shelter and then heads off to get assistance. Edgar speaks of the foul fiend and Fool tells the King a rhyme, concluding that the madman is the man who has too greatly indulged his own children. Lear pretends to hold a trial for his evil daughters, placing Edgar, the fool, and... | [
"Scena Sexta.",
"Enter Kent, and Gloucester.",
"Glou. Heere is better then the open ayre, take it thankfully:\nI will peece out the comfort with what addition I\ncan: I will not be long from you.",
"Exit",
"Kent. All the powre of his wits, haue giuen way to his\nimpatience: the Gods reward your kindnesse.\n... |
4,607 | 2266_act_3_scene_7 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Cornwall calls for Goneril to bring the letter concerning France's invasion to her husband and calls to his servants to seek out the traitor, Gloucester. Regan and Goneril call for tortuous punishment. Edmund is asked to accompany Goneril so as not to be present when his father is brought in. Oswald enters and alerts t... | [
"Scena Septima.",
"Enter Cornwall, Regan, Gonerill, Bastard, and Seruants.",
"Corn. Poste speedily to my Lord your husband, shew\nhim this Letter, the Army of France is landed: seeke out\nthe Traitor Glouster",
"Reg. Hang him instantly",
"Gon. Plucke out his eyes",
"Corn. Leaue him to my displeasure. Edmo... |
4,608 | 2266_act_4_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Edgar is alone on stage soliloquizing about his fate. He seems more optimistic than earlier, hoping that he has seen the worst. This changes when Gloucester and an old man enters, displaying to Edgar the cruelty of Regan and Cornwall's punishment. Gloucester urges the old man aiding him to leave him, noting that his bl... | [
"Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.",
"Enter Edgar.",
"Edg. Yet better thus, and knowne to be contemn'd,\nThen still contemn'd and flatter'd, to be worst:\nThe lowest, and most deiected thing of Fortune,\nStands still in esperance, liues not in feare:\nThe lamentable change is from the best,\nThe worst returnes to lau... |
4,609 | 2266_act_4_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Goneril and Edmund are en route to Goneril's home when Goneril asks Oswald why her husband has not met them. Oswald answers that Albany is a changed man. To all events Oswald expects he would be pleased by, he is upset and vice versa. The examples Oswald gives are the landing of the French army at which Albany smiled a... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Enter Gonerill, Bastard, and Steward.",
"Gon. Welcome my Lord. I meruell our mild husband\nNot met vs on the way. Now, where's your Master?\n Stew. Madam within, but neuer man so chang'd:\nI told him of the Army that was Landed:\nHe smil'd at it. I told him you were comming,\nHis answer was,... |
4,610 | 2266_act_4_scene_3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | We learn from Kent's conversation with a gentleman that the King of France has had to return to France for important business and has left the Marshal of France in charge. The gentleman informs him also of Cordelia's response to Kent's letter. She was very moved, lamenting against her sisters and their treatment of her... | [
"Scena Tertia.",
"Enter with Drum and Colours, Cordelia, Gentlemen, and\nSouldiours.",
"Cor. Alacke, 'tis he: why he was met euen now\nAs mad as the vext Sea, singing alowd.\nCrown'd with ranke Fenitar, and furrow weeds,\nWith Hardokes, Hemlocke, Nettles, Cuckoo flowres,\nDarnell, and all the idle weedes that g... |
4,611 | 2266_act_4_scene_4 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Pained, Cordelia laments the mad state of Lear and asks the doctor if there is a way to cure him. Rest might be the simple answer, the doctor replies, since Lear has been deprived of it. Cordelia prays for him and hopes that he will be revived. She must leave briefly on business for France | [
"Scena Quarta.",
"Enter Regan, and Steward.",
"Reg. But are my Brothers Powres set forth?\n Stew. I Madam",
"Reg. Himselfe in person there?\n Stew. Madam with much ado:\nYour Sister is the better Souldier",
"Reg. Lord Edmund spake not with your Lord at home?\n Stew. No Madam",
"Reg. What might import m... |
4,612 | 2266_act_4_scene_5 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Regan and Oswald discuss how Albany's powers are afoot. Oswald points out that Goneril is the better soldier and informs Regan that Edmund did not have a chance to speak with Albany. Regan asks what the letter which Oswald brought from Goneril for Edmund says but Oswald knows only that it must be of great importance. R... | [
"Scena Quinta.",
"Enter Gloucester, and Edgar.",
"Glou. When shall I come to th' top of that same hill?\n Edg. You do climbe vp it now. Look how we labor",
"Glou. Me thinkes the ground is eeuen",
"Edg. Horrible steepe.\nHearke, do you heare the Sea?\n Glou. No truly",
"Edg. Why then your other Senses gr... |
4,613 | 2266_act_4_scene_7 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Cordelia thanks Kent for the goodness he has shown her father and the bravery he has espoused. She asks him to discard his disguise but he knows that he will be able to work better for Lear if he remains disguised. The Doctor remarks that Lear has slept for a long while so that they may try waking him. Lear is brought ... | [
"Scaena Septima.",
"Enter Cordelia, Kent, and Gentleman.",
"Cor. O thou good Kent,\nHow shall I liue and worke\nTo match thy goodnesse?\nMy life will be too short,\nAnd euery measure faile me",
"Kent. To be acknowledg'd Madam is ore-pai'd,\nAll my reports go with the modest truth,\nNor more, nor clipt, but so... |
4,614 | 2266_act_5_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Edmund sends an officer to learn of Albany's plans since he has become so fickle. Regan approaches Edmund, sweetly asking him if he loves her sister and if he has ever found his way into her bed. He replies that though he loves in "honored love" he has done nothing adulterous or to break their vow. Warning him to stay ... | [
"Actus Quintus. Scena Prima.",
"Enter with Drumme and Colours, Edmund, Regan. Gentlemen, and\nSouldiers.",
"Bast. Know of the Duke if his last purpose hold,\nOr whether since he is aduis'd by ought\nTo change the course, he's full of alteration,\nAnd selfereprouing, bring his constant pleasure",
"Reg. Our Sis... |
4,615 | 2266_act_5_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The army of France, accompanied by Cordelia and Lear, crosses the stage with their battle colors and drums and exits. Next, Edgar and Gloucester enter. Edgar offers Gloucester rest under a nearby tree while he goes into battle. The noises of the battle begin and end, at which time Edgar reenters the stage to speak with... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Alarum within. Enter with Drumme and Colours, Lear, Cordelia,\nand\nSouldiers, ouer the Stage, and Exeunt. Enter Edgar, and Gloster.",
"Edg. Heere Father, take the shadow of this Tree\nFor your good hoast: pray that the right may thriue:\nIf euer I returne to you againe,\nIle bring you comfor... |
4,616 | 2266_act_5_scene_3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Edmund holds Cordelia and Lear prisoner. Trying to keep Lear's spirits up, Cordelia tells him that they are not the first innocent people who have had to endure the worst and she will be happy to endure for the King. She asks if they will see Goneril and Regan but Lear rejects that notion. He wants them to spend their ... | [
"Scena Tertia.",
"Enter in conquest with Drum and Colours, Edmund, Lear, and\nCordelia, as\nprisoners, Souldiers, Captaine.",
"Bast. Some Officers take them away: good guard,\nVntill their greater pleasures first be knowne\nThat are to censure them",
"Cor. We are not the first,\nWho with best meaning haue inc... |
4,594 | 2266_act_1,_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Two lords, Gloucester and Kent, are at King Lear's palace in Britain, talking about Lear's plan to divide the kingdom. The men speculate as to why King Lear has decided to give the same amount of territory to both of his sons-in-law, even though everyone knows he likes one of them better. However, he's not going to bas... | [
"Actus Primus. Scoena Prima.",
"Enter Kent, Gloucester, and Edmond.",
"Kent. I thought the King had more affected the\nDuke of Albany, then Cornwall",
"Glou. It did alwayes seeme so to vs: But\nnow in the diuision of the Kingdome, it appeares\nnot which of the Dukes hee valewes\nmost, for qualities are so wei... |
4,595 | 2266_act_1,_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Edmund, Gloucester's illegitimate son, delivers a soliloquy . He complains to the audience about the way society treats younger brothers and "illegitimate" children. Edmund argues that he's just as smart, attractive, and talented as his father's eldest and legitimate son, Edgar. But because of a technicality of birth, ... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Enter Bastard.",
"Bast. Thou Nature art my Goddesse, to thy Law\nMy seruices are bound, wherefore should I\nStand in the plague of custome, and permit\nThe curiosity of Nations, to depriue me? For that I am some twelue, or fourteene Moonshines\nLag of a Brother? Why Bastard? Wherefore base? W... |
4,596 | 2266_act_1,_scene_3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | A brief recap: Lear had planned to spend his retirement with Cordelia. Obviously, that's not happening any more. So now he's spending alternate months with his remaining two daughters. Things are not going well at Goneril's castle. Lear's a lousy houseguest--he continues to act like he's in charge . Also, Oswald tells ... | [
"Scena Tertia.",
"Enter Gonerill, and Steward.",
"Gon. Did my Father strike my Gentleman for chiding\nof his Foole?\n Ste. I Madam",
"Gon. By day and night, he wrongs me, euery howre\nHe flashes into one grosse crime, or other,\nThat sets vs all at ods: Ile not endure it;\nHis Knights grow riotous, and himse... |
4,597 | 2266_act_1,_scene_4 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Kent, the loyal advisor Lear exiled back in Scene 1, enters Goneril's castle disguised as a down-and-out peasant, "Caius." He speaks in a strange accent so no one recognizes his voice. Kent lives to take care of Lear, and he's determined to do it even if Lear has treated him terribly. Lear enters with his rowdy entoura... | [
"Scena Quarta.",
"Enter Kent.",
"Kent. If but as will I other accents borrow,\nThat can my speech defuse, my good intent\nMay carry through it selfe to that full issue\nFor which I raiz'd my likenesse. Now banisht Kent,\nIf thou canst serue where thou dost stand condemn'd,\nSo may it come, thy Master whom thou ... |
4,598 | 2266_act_1,_scene_5 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Lear tells the disguised Kent to deliver a letter to Regan informing her that he's about to show up at her place. The Fool cracks some bizarre jokes, mostly about the wild ingratitude of Goneril and the fact that Lear's hope of escaping to Regan's loving arms is stupid, because Regan is likely as bad as Goneril. Lear h... | [
"Scena Quinta.",
"Enter Lear, Kent, Gentleman, and Foole.",
"Lear. Go you before to Gloster with these Letters;\nacquaint my Daughter no further with any thing you\nknow, then comes from her demand out of the Letter,\nif your Dilligence be not speedy, I shall be there afore\nyou",
"Kent. I will not sleepe my ... |
4,599 | 2266_act_2,_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Back at Gloucester's house, Edmund's scheming is coming along nicely. He hears that Regan and her husband, Cornwall, will be paying an unexpected visit to his father and decides to factor that into his plans. Also, Edmund hears from Curan, a courtier, that there are rumors flying around about a dispute between Cornwall... | [
"Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.",
"Enter Bastard, and Curan, seuerally.",
"Bast. Saue thee Curan",
"Cur. And you Sir, I haue bin\nWith your Father, and giuen him notice\nThat the Duke of Cornwall, and Regan his Duchesse\nWill be here with him this night",
"Bast. How comes that?\n Cur. Nay I know not, you hau... |
4,600 | 2266_act_2,_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The disguised Kent , and the steward, Oswald , both show up at Gloucester's house at the same time. Kent, still angry at Oswald for insulting Lear, tries to pick a fight with Oswald. Oswald, not exactly the fighting kind, shrieks for help and Edmund rushes in. Edmund is followed by Cornwall, Regan, and Gloucester. Corn... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Enter Kent, and Steward seuerally.",
"Stew. Good dawning to thee Friend, art of this house?\n Kent. I",
"Stew. Where may we set our horses?\n Kent. I'th' myre",
"Stew. Prythee, if thou lou'st me, tell me",
"Kent. I loue thee not",
"Ste. Why then I care not for thee",
"Kent. If I h... |
4,601 | 2266_act_3,_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Kent, still disguised as Caius, meets up with the Gentleman, who informs him that the King is still running about in a night so dreadful that even lions and bears have taken to their dens. The gentleman says that only the Fool accompanies the King on his mad journey, trying to stave off Lear's madness with friendly jok... | [
"Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.",
"Storme still. Enter Kent, and a Gentleman, seuerally.",
"Kent. Who's there besides foule weather?\n Gen. One minded like the weather, most vnquietly",
"Kent. I know you: Where's the King?\n Gent. Contending with the fretfull Elements;\nBids the winde blow the Earth into the S... |
4,602 | 2266_act_3,_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | This scene opens with an iconic image: Lear, a white-haired man, stands on a heath in the middle of a thunderstorm yelling at the sky. "Blow winds and crack your cheeks! Rage, blow!" The Fool begs Lear to go back to his daughters for shelter, but the King refuses; he would rather face the relentless elements than his u... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Storme still. Enter Lear, and Foole.",
"Lear. Blow windes, & crack your cheeks; Rage, blow\nYou Cataracts, and Hyrricano's spout,\nTill you haue drench'd our Steeples, drown the Cockes.\nYou Sulph'rous and Thought-executing Fires,\nVaunt-curriors of Oake-cleauing Thunder-bolts,\nSindge my whi... |
4,603 | 2266_act_3,_scene_3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Back at Gloucester's castle, Gloucester unloads his heart to his evil-genius son, Edmund. Gloucester is in a bad mood. He's upset about how unnaturally Lear's own daughters deal with the old King, and even more upset that they've taken over his house. The sisters have instructed Gloucester not to mention Lear in their ... | [
"Enter Gloster, and Edmund.",
"Glo. Alacke, alacke Edmund, I like not this vnnaturall\ndealing; when I desired their leaue that I might pity him,\nthey tooke from me the vse of mine owne house, charg'd\nme on paine of perpetuall displeasure, neither to speake\nof him, entreat for him, or any way sustaine him",
... |
4,604 | 2266_act_3,_scene_4 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Out on a heath in the storm, Kent tries to maneuver Lear and the Fool into a little cave he's found, where they can have shelter. But Lear says he doesn't want to go inside--the violent storm is nothing compared to the "tempest" in Lear's own mind. Lear laments that his children are such ingrates but decides that it's ... | [
"Scena Quarta.",
"Enter Lear, Kent, and Foole.",
"Kent. Here is the place my Lord, good my Lord enter,\nThe tirrany of the open night's too rough\nFor Nature to endure.",
"Storme still",
"Lear. Let me alone",
"Kent. Good my Lord enter heere",
"Lear. Wilt breake my heart?\n Kent. I had rather breake min... |
4,605 | 2266_act_3,_scene_5 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Meanwhile, back at Gloucester's castle, Edmund's evil plan is progressing nicely. Cue the evil smirk and hand-rubbing gesture. He has told Cornwall about his father's forbidden allegiance to Lear and has also showed Cornwall the incriminating, anti-Cornwall letter. Edmund humbly suggests that he's made a great sacrific... | [
"Scena Quinta.",
"Enter Cornwall, and Edmund.",
"Corn. I will haue my reuenge, ere I depart his house",
"Bast. How my Lord, I may be censured, that Nature\nthus giues way to Loyaltie, something feares mee to\nthinke of",
"Cornw. I now perceiue, it was not altogether your\nBrothers euill disposition made him... |
4,606 | 2266_act_3,_scene_6 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | We're back with that rebel Gloucester, who's led Lear, the disguised Kent, the disguised Edgar, and the Fool to a little building outside of his castle to get them all out of the storm. Lear asks the philosophizing Edgar--who is still pretending to be the mad Poor Tom--a bunch of questions. The Fool interjects occasion... | [
"Scena Sexta.",
"Enter Kent, and Gloucester.",
"Glou. Heere is better then the open ayre, take it thankfully:\nI will peece out the comfort with what addition I\ncan: I will not be long from you.",
"Exit",
"Kent. All the powre of his wits, haue giuen way to his\nimpatience: the Gods reward your kindnesse.\n... |
4,607 | 2266_act_3,_scene_7 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Back at Gloucester's castle, Oswald reports to Cornwall that Gloucester has helped Lear and the Fool escape to Dover. He's apprehended Gloucester at the gate of his own castle. Cornwall, Regan, Goneril, and Edmund plan how they will punish Gloucester. Regan suggests they hang him instantly, while Goneril suggests they ... | [
"Scena Septima.",
"Enter Cornwall, Regan, Gonerill, Bastard, and Seruants.",
"Corn. Poste speedily to my Lord your husband, shew\nhim this Letter, the Army of France is landed: seeke out\nthe Traitor Glouster",
"Reg. Hang him instantly",
"Gon. Plucke out his eyes",
"Corn. Leaue him to my displeasure. Edmo... |
4,608 | 2266_act_4,_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Edgar, disguised as Poor Tom, lurks outside in the cold. He comforts himself with the knowledge that, since he's hit rock bottom, at least things can't get any worse. Then, of course, Edgar sees his father stumble out of the castle bleeding from his eye sockets. Oops. Things just got worse. Gloucester speaks bitterly. ... | [
"Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.",
"Enter Edgar.",
"Edg. Yet better thus, and knowne to be contemn'd,\nThen still contemn'd and flatter'd, to be worst:\nThe lowest, and most deiected thing of Fortune,\nStands still in esperance, liues not in feare:\nThe lamentable change is from the best,\nThe worst returnes to lau... |
4,609 | 2266_act_4,_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Meanwhile, Shakespeare gives us a peek at what the evil spawn are up to... Edmund, ever the gentleman, escorts Goneril to her castle and Goneril says something like "Gee, I wonder where my husband is." Before Edmund can make out with Goneril on her doorstep, Oswald, Goneril's trusty steward, enters and says that Albany... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Enter Gonerill, Bastard, and Steward.",
"Gon. Welcome my Lord. I meruell our mild husband\nNot met vs on the way. Now, where's your Master?\n Stew. Madam within, but neuer man so chang'd:\nI told him of the Army that was Landed:\nHe smil'd at it. I told him you were comming,\nHis answer was,... |
4,610 | 2266_act_4,_scene_3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Kent, still in disguise and seemingly enjoying it, meets again with the messenger that was sent to Cordelia, but this time near the French camp at Dover. Kent wants all the details about how Cordelia reacted to his news, and the messenger reports that her nobility kept her from rage. It was rather clear, he says, that ... | [
"Scena Tertia.",
"Enter with Drum and Colours, Cordelia, Gentlemen, and\nSouldiours.",
"Cor. Alacke, 'tis he: why he was met euen now\nAs mad as the vext Sea, singing alowd.\nCrown'd with ranke Fenitar, and furrow weeds,\nWith Hardokes, Hemlocke, Nettles, Cuckoo flowres,\nDarnell, and all the idle weedes that g... |
4,611 | 2266_act_4,_scene_4 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | We learn from Cordelia that Lear has run off from his caretakers and was last spotted in a wheat field, covered over with all sorts of plants. Cordelia sends a century to find him, and confers with a doctor to figure out if there's any way to cure Lear's madness. The doctor promises a long sleep will do the trick . Cor... | [
"Scena Quarta.",
"Enter Regan, and Steward.",
"Reg. But are my Brothers Powres set forth?\n Stew. I Madam",
"Reg. Himselfe in person there?\n Stew. Madam with much ado:\nYour Sister is the better Souldier",
"Reg. Lord Edmund spake not with your Lord at home?\n Stew. No Madam",
"Reg. What might import m... |
4,612 | 2266_act_4,_scene_5 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | At Gloucester's castle, Oswald has arrived to deliver Goneril's letter to Edmund. Regan tries to wheedle information out of him and learns that Albany's troops are on the move, seemingly at Goneril's insistence. Mostly, though, she's curious about the letter her sister has written to Edmund. She wants to know what it's... | [
"Scena Quinta.",
"Enter Gloucester, and Edgar.",
"Glou. When shall I come to th' top of that same hill?\n Edg. You do climbe vp it now. Look how we labor",
"Glou. Me thinkes the ground is eeuen",
"Edg. Horrible steepe.\nHearke, do you heare the Sea?\n Glou. No truly",
"Edg. Why then your other Senses gr... |
4,613 | 2266_act_4,_scene_7 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Cordelia enters, talking with Kent. She tells him it's time for him to take off his "Caius" disguise, but Kent says he's not ready to become himself again--he's got a plan and he doesn't want Cordelia to reveal his true identity. The doctor who has been tending Lear tells Cordelia that her father is ready to be woken u... | [
"Scaena Septima.",
"Enter Cordelia, Kent, and Gentleman.",
"Cor. O thou good Kent,\nHow shall I liue and worke\nTo match thy goodnesse?\nMy life will be too short,\nAnd euery measure faile me",
"Kent. To be acknowledg'd Madam is ore-pai'd,\nAll my reports go with the modest truth,\nNor more, nor clipt, but so... |
4,614 | 2266_act_5,_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | At the British battle camp near Dover, Edmund and Regan are engaged in what seems to be a heated conversation. Regan keeps asking Edmund if he's done "it" with Goneril. Edmund swears on his honor that he has never done anything with Goneril. Just as Regan orders Edmund to stay out of Goneril's bed, Goneril and her husb... | [
"Actus Quintus. Scena Prima.",
"Enter with Drumme and Colours, Edmund, Regan. Gentlemen, and\nSouldiers.",
"Bast. Know of the Duke if his last purpose hold,\nOr whether since he is aduis'd by ought\nTo change the course, he's full of alteration,\nAnd selfereprouing, bring his constant pleasure",
"Reg. Our Sis... |
4,615 | 2266_act_5,_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Edgar still hasn't told his father who he really is. But he has decided to fight in the battle on the side of Lear and Cordelia. He stashes Gloucester beside a tree and tells him to hang out until the battle is over. Then he runs offstage. Edgar runs back onstage and informs his father that Lear and Cordelia have lost ... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Alarum within. Enter with Drumme and Colours, Lear, Cordelia,\nand\nSouldiers, ouer the Stage, and Exeunt. Enter Edgar, and Gloster.",
"Edg. Heere Father, take the shadow of this Tree\nFor your good hoast: pray that the right may thriue:\nIf euer I returne to you againe,\nIle bring you comfor... |
4,616 | 2266_act_5,_scene_3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Edmund, who has succeeded in capturing Lear and Cordelia, orders his guards to take them away until he figures out what he's going to do with them. All defiance, Cordelia demands to be taken before her wretched sisters. "No, no, no, no, let's away to prison," Lear tells her. In a moving speech, Lear says, "We two alone... | [
"Scena Tertia.",
"Enter in conquest with Drum and Colours, Edmund, Lear, and\nCordelia, as\nprisoners, Souldiers, Captaine.",
"Bast. Some Officers take them away: good guard,\nVntill their greater pleasures first be knowne\nThat are to censure them",
"Cor. We are not the first,\nWho with best meaning haue inc... |
4,594 | 2266_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The scene opens in King Lear's palace. A conversation between Kent, Gloucester, and Gloucester's son Edmund introduces the play's primary plot: The king is planning to divide his kingdom among his three daughters. The audience also learns that Gloucester has two sons. The older, Edgar, is his legitimate heir, and the y... | [
"Actus Primus. Scoena Prima.",
"Enter Kent, Gloucester, and Edmond.",
"Kent. I thought the King had more affected the\nDuke of Albany, then Cornwall",
"Glou. It did alwayes seeme so to vs: But\nnow in the diuision of the Kingdome, it appeares\nnot which of the Dukes hee valewes\nmost, for qualities are so wei... |
4,595 | 2266_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Edmund enters the scene -- set in the Earl of Gloucester's house -- talking out loud to himself. In this soliloquy, Edmund figuratively asks Nature why society sees him as inferior to his brother Edgar simply because he is not his father's legitimate firstborn. Edmund's soliloquy reveals his plan to undermine his broth... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Enter Bastard.",
"Bast. Thou Nature art my Goddesse, to thy Law\nMy seruices are bound, wherefore should I\nStand in the plague of custome, and permit\nThe curiosity of Nations, to depriue me? For that I am some twelue, or fourteene Moonshines\nLag of a Brother? Why Bastard? Wherefore base? W... |
4,596 | 2266_scene_3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Set in the palace of Goneril and the Duke of Albany, this scene opens with Goneril asking her steward, Oswald, if Lear struck him for making fun of the king's Fool. Oswald confirms the encounter. Goneril, enraged, instructs Oswald to keep Lear waiting when he needs something, and if the king is unhappy with this treatm... | [
"Scena Tertia.",
"Enter Gonerill, and Steward.",
"Gon. Did my Father strike my Gentleman for chiding\nof his Foole?\n Ste. I Madam",
"Gon. By day and night, he wrongs me, euery howre\nHe flashes into one grosse crime, or other,\nThat sets vs all at ods: Ile not endure it;\nHis Knights grow riotous, and himse... |
4,597 | 2266_scene_4 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The setting is a hall in Goneril's palace. Kent, earlier banished by Lear, reappears in disguise as Caius. Lear enters and begins asking Kent questions about his identity and his intent. Kent's responses are vague, but he asserts his loyalty and willingness to serve the king. Kent's obvious admiration impresses Lear. W... | [
"Scena Quarta.",
"Enter Kent.",
"Kent. If but as will I other accents borrow,\nThat can my speech defuse, my good intent\nMay carry through it selfe to that full issue\nFor which I raiz'd my likenesse. Now banisht Kent,\nIf thou canst serue where thou dost stand condemn'd,\nSo may it come, thy Master whom thou ... |
4,598 | 2266_scene_5 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The setting for this brief scene is outside Goneril's palace. Lear instructs Kent to go at once to Regan's palace and deliver a letter. As Kent leaves, the Fool attempts to distract the king with silly remarks, but their content points ironically to Lear's actions. The torment of the king is obvious as he laments his t... | [
"Scena Quinta.",
"Enter Lear, Kent, Gentleman, and Foole.",
"Lear. Go you before to Gloster with these Letters;\nacquaint my Daughter no further with any thing you\nknow, then comes from her demand out of the Letter,\nif your Dilligence be not speedy, I shall be there afore\nyou",
"Kent. I will not sleepe my ... |
4,599 | 2266_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The setting is the Earl of Gloucester's castle. As the scene opens, Curan, a courier, tells Edmund that Regan and Cornwall will be arriving that evening. Curan also mentions rumors of a feud between Cornwall and Albany. Edmund expresses excitement over Cornwall's visit because he imagines that he can involve the duke i... | [
"Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.",
"Enter Bastard, and Curan, seuerally.",
"Bast. Saue thee Curan",
"Cur. And you Sir, I haue bin\nWith your Father, and giuen him notice\nThat the Duke of Cornwall, and Regan his Duchesse\nWill be here with him this night",
"Bast. How comes that?\n Cur. Nay I know not, you hau... |
4,600 | 2266_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The setting is just outside Gloucester's castle. Kent and Oswald arrive separately to deliver letters to Regan. Oswald does not immediately recognize Kent. The steward is confused when Kent denounces him and condemns his lack of integrity. When Oswald denies knowing him, Kent draws his sword and begins to beat the stew... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Enter Kent, and Steward seuerally.",
"Stew. Good dawning to thee Friend, art of this house?\n Kent. I",
"Stew. Where may we set our horses?\n Kent. I'th' myre",
"Stew. Prythee, if thou lou'st me, tell me",
"Kent. I loue thee not",
"Ste. Why then I care not for thee",
"Kent. If I h... |
4,603 | 2266_scene_3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The scene opens on Edgar, alone in the woods. In his soliloquy, Edgar relates that he is aware of his outlaw status. Thus far, he has escaped capture by hiding in the "happy hollow of a tree" , but he knows that to remain free, he must mask himself. Edgar lays forth a plan in which he will disguise himself as a Bedlam ... | [
"Enter Gloster, and Edmund.",
"Glo. Alacke, alacke Edmund, I like not this vnnaturall\ndealing; when I desired their leaue that I might pity him,\nthey tooke from me the vse of mine owne house, charg'd\nme on paine of perpetuall displeasure, neither to speake\nof him, entreat for him, or any way sustaine him",
... |
4,604 | 2266_scene_4 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Lear and his followers arrive at Gloucester's castle. Kent hails the king, who promptly asks who has placed his messenger in stocks. Lear refuses to believe that Regan and Cornwall would imprison and humiliate someone in the king's employ. Regan and Cornwall decline speaking to the king, claiming fatigue from their jou... | [
"Scena Quarta.",
"Enter Lear, Kent, and Foole.",
"Kent. Here is the place my Lord, good my Lord enter,\nThe tirrany of the open night's too rough\nFor Nature to endure.",
"Storme still",
"Lear. Let me alone",
"Kent. Good my Lord enter heere",
"Lear. Wilt breake my heart?\n Kent. I had rather breake min... |
4,601 | 2266_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The setting is the heath in a raging storm. Conversing with a gentleman -- a character conveniently placed to enlighten Kent and the audience -- Kent learns that Lear and his Fool are out in the storm. Kent relates that Albany and Cornwall are pretending amicability. Kent also divulges that the king of France has been ... | [
"Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.",
"Storme still. Enter Kent, and a Gentleman, seuerally.",
"Kent. Who's there besides foule weather?\n Gen. One minded like the weather, most vnquietly",
"Kent. I know you: Where's the King?\n Gent. Contending with the fretfull Elements;\nBids the winde blow the Earth into the S... |
4,602 | 2266_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The storm continues on the heath. Lear's mood matches the intensity of nature's turbulence as he rages against his daughters' abusive treatment. The Fool attempts to reason with his king, noting that the shelter of a dry house, even one gained by losing face, is superior to a stay in the storm's fury. But Lear will hav... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Storme still. Enter Lear, and Foole.",
"Lear. Blow windes, & crack your cheeks; Rage, blow\nYou Cataracts, and Hyrricano's spout,\nTill you haue drench'd our Steeples, drown the Cockes.\nYou Sulph'rous and Thought-executing Fires,\nVaunt-curriors of Oake-cleauing Thunder-bolts,\nSindge my whi... |
4,610 | 2266_scene_3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The setting is Gloucester's castle, where Gloucester and Edmund are conversing. Gloucester tells his son that when he asked Regan and Cornwall to leave, so that he might offer aid to Lear, they seized his house. Now Gloucester is little more than a prisoner in his own home, forbidden to even speak to the king. Gloucest... | [
"Scena Tertia.",
"Enter with Drum and Colours, Cordelia, Gentlemen, and\nSouldiours.",
"Cor. Alacke, 'tis he: why he was met euen now\nAs mad as the vext Sea, singing alowd.\nCrown'd with ranke Fenitar, and furrow weeds,\nWith Hardokes, Hemlocke, Nettles, Cuckoo flowres,\nDarnell, and all the idle weedes that g... |
4,611 | 2266_scene_4 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Although Kent directs Lear to a hovel for shelter, the king refuses to protect himself from the storm. The Fool runs from the hovel, exclaiming that a spirit has taken possession of the shelter. The spirit, who soon emerges, is Edgar disguised as Poor Tom, pitiful pauper. The king tears off his own clothing, making him... | [
"Scena Quarta.",
"Enter Regan, and Steward.",
"Reg. But are my Brothers Powres set forth?\n Stew. I Madam",
"Reg. Himselfe in person there?\n Stew. Madam with much ado:\nYour Sister is the better Souldier",
"Reg. Lord Edmund spake not with your Lord at home?\n Stew. No Madam",
"Reg. What might import m... |
4,605 | 2266_scene_5 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The setting is Gloucester's castle. Edmund betrays his father and wins Cornwall's approval by releasing the details of France's plan to aid the king. As reward, Edmund gains Gloucester's title and lands. | [
"Scena Quinta.",
"Enter Cornwall, and Edmund.",
"Corn. I will haue my reuenge, ere I depart his house",
"Bast. How my Lord, I may be censured, that Nature\nthus giues way to Loyaltie, something feares mee to\nthinke of",
"Cornw. I now perceiue, it was not altogether your\nBrothers euill disposition made him... |
4,606 | 2266_scene_6 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Gloucester sets out to find food, leaving the king and his party in a farmhouse next to the castle. The Fool and Edgar take part in Lear's mock trial of Regan and Goneril. Gloucester enters and reveals that he has learned of a plot to kill the king. The group prepares to take Lear to Dover, where friends can come to hi... | [
"Scena Sexta.",
"Enter Kent, and Gloucester.",
"Glou. Heere is better then the open ayre, take it thankfully:\nI will peece out the comfort with what addition I\ncan: I will not be long from you.",
"Exit",
"Kent. All the powre of his wits, haue giuen way to his\nimpatience: the Gods reward your kindnesse.\n... |
4,607 | 2266_scene_7 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The setting moves back to Gloucester's castle. Cornwall is dispatching Goneril with a letter to Albany, telling him of the invasion by the King of France. Cornwall orders that Gloucester be found and brought to him. Edmund is told to accompany Goneril so that he is not present for Gloucester's punishment. Before Edmund... | [
"Scena Septima.",
"Enter Cornwall, Regan, Gonerill, Bastard, and Seruants.",
"Corn. Poste speedily to my Lord your husband, shew\nhim this Letter, the Army of France is landed: seeke out\nthe Traitor Glouster",
"Reg. Hang him instantly",
"Gon. Plucke out his eyes",
"Corn. Leaue him to my displeasure. Edmo... |
4,608 | 2266_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The setting is the heath. A blinded Gloucester is led by an elderly man, one of his tenants. The ailing earl laments that he treated Edgar badly and wishes for the opportunity to once again touch his son, since he can no longer see him. Gloucester hears Edgar's voice and remembers Poor Tom from the night of the storm. ... | [
"Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.",
"Enter Edgar.",
"Edg. Yet better thus, and knowne to be contemn'd,\nThen still contemn'd and flatter'd, to be worst:\nThe lowest, and most deiected thing of Fortune,\nStands still in esperance, liues not in feare:\nThe lamentable change is from the best,\nThe worst returnes to lau... |
4,609 | 2266_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The setting is just outside the Duke of Albany's palace, where Goneril and Edmund are now present. Oswald enters with news that Albany is a changed man. The steward relates that Albany was pleased to learn of the proposed invasion by France and displeased when he learned that Gloucester had been replaced by his younger... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Enter Gonerill, Bastard, and Steward.",
"Gon. Welcome my Lord. I meruell our mild husband\nNot met vs on the way. Now, where's your Master?\n Stew. Madam within, but neuer man so chang'd:\nI told him of the Army that was Landed:\nHe smil'd at it. I told him you were comming,\nHis answer was,... |
4,616 | 2266_scene_3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The setting is the French camp near Dover. Kent hears that the king of France has been forced to return to his own country. Kent asks a Gentleman if, upon reading his letters, Cordelia revealed any emotion, and learns that she did manage to keep her feelings under control. Kent responds by acknowledging the stars' infl... | [
"Scena Tertia.",
"Enter in conquest with Drum and Colours, Edmund, Lear, and\nCordelia, as\nprisoners, Souldiers, Captaine.",
"Bast. Some Officers take them away: good guard,\nVntill their greater pleasures first be knowne\nThat are to censure them",
"Cor. We are not the first,\nWho with best meaning haue inc... |
4,612 | 2266_scene_5 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The setting is Gloucester's castle. Oswald reveals to Regan that Albany's forces have been deployed, but with much reluctance. Regan is more interested in the letter that Oswald carries from Goneril to Edmund. Regan insists that the letter be given to her, because she is aware of Goneril's amorous glances toward Edmund... | [
"Scena Quinta.",
"Enter Gloucester, and Edgar.",
"Glou. When shall I come to th' top of that same hill?\n Edg. You do climbe vp it now. Look how we labor",
"Glou. Me thinkes the ground is eeuen",
"Edg. Horrible steepe.\nHearke, do you heare the Sea?\n Glou. No truly",
"Edg. Why then your other Senses gr... |
4,613 | 2266_scene_7 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The scene opens in a tent in the French camp. Cordelia is expressing her gratitude to Kent for the services he has tendered. Within moments, a sleeping Lear is brought into the tent, where Cordelia welcomes him with characteristic gentleness. As his senses return, the confused king asks if he is in France, and Kent ass... | [
"Scaena Septima.",
"Enter Cordelia, Kent, and Gentleman.",
"Cor. O thou good Kent,\nHow shall I liue and worke\nTo match thy goodnesse?\nMy life will be too short,\nAnd euery measure faile me",
"Kent. To be acknowledg'd Madam is ore-pai'd,\nAll my reports go with the modest truth,\nNor more, nor clipt, but so... |
4,614 | 2266_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Regan, Edmund, and members of their army gather in the British camp near Dover. Regan quizzes Edmund about his feelings for Goneril. Edmund promises Regan that he will not be intimate with her sister. Goneril and Albany enter. Albany states that he intends to defend the kingdom against the French invaders. Goneril asse... | [
"Actus Quintus. Scena Prima.",
"Enter with Drumme and Colours, Edmund, Regan. Gentlemen, and\nSouldiers.",
"Bast. Know of the Duke if his last purpose hold,\nOr whether since he is aduis'd by ought\nTo change the course, he's full of alteration,\nAnd selfereprouing, bring his constant pleasure",
"Reg. Our Sis... |
4,615 | 2266_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | The setting is a field between the British and French camps. Cordelia, Lear, and their forces move toward the battle. Edgar enters, looking for a safe place for Gloucester to wait out the conflict. After placing Gloucester in a sheltered spot, Edgar leaves, and the sounds of battle are heard. In a few moments, Edgar re... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Alarum within. Enter with Drumme and Colours, Lear, Cordelia,\nand\nSouldiers, ouer the Stage, and Exeunt. Enter Edgar, and Gloster.",
"Edg. Heere Father, take the shadow of this Tree\nFor your good hoast: pray that the right may thriue:\nIf euer I returne to you againe,\nIle bring you comfor... |
4,594 | 2266_act_1,_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Unhappy that I am, I cannot heaveMy heart into my mouth. The play begins with two noblemen, Gloucester and Kent, discussing the fact that King Lear is about to divide his kingdom. Their conversation quickly changes, however, when Kent asks Gloucester to introduce his son. Gloucester introduces Edmund, explaining that E... | [
"Actus Primus. Scoena Prima.",
"Enter Kent, Gloucester, and Edmond.",
"Kent. I thought the King had more affected the\nDuke of Albany, then Cornwall",
"Glou. It did alwayes seeme so to vs: But\nnow in the diuision of the Kingdome, it appeares\nnot which of the Dukes hee valewes\nmost, for qualities are so wei... |
4,595 | 2266_act_1,_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Thou, nature, art my goddess; to thy lawMy services are bound. Now, gods, stand up for bastards. Edmund enters and delivers a soliloquy expressing his dissatisfaction with society's attitude toward bastards. He bitterly resents his legitimate half-brother, Edgar, who stands to inherit their father's estate. He resolves... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Enter Bastard.",
"Bast. Thou Nature art my Goddesse, to thy Law\nMy seruices are bound, wherefore should I\nStand in the plague of custome, and permit\nThe curiosity of Nations, to depriue me? For that I am some twelue, or fourteene Moonshines\nLag of a Brother? Why Bastard? Wherefore base? W... |
4,596 | 2266_act_1,_scene_3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Lear is spending the first portion of his retirement at Goneril's castle. Goneril complains to her steward, Oswald, that Lear's knights are becoming "riotous" and that Lear himself is an obnoxious guest. Seeking to provoke a confrontation, she orders her servants to behave rudely toward Lear and his attendants | [
"Scena Tertia.",
"Enter Gonerill, and Steward.",
"Gon. Did my Father strike my Gentleman for chiding\nof his Foole?\n Ste. I Madam",
"Gon. By day and night, he wrongs me, euery howre\nHe flashes into one grosse crime, or other,\nThat sets vs all at ods: Ile not endure it;\nHis Knights grow riotous, and himse... |
4,597 | 2266_act_1,_scene_4 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Disguised as a simple peasant, Kent appears in Goneril's castle, calling himself Caius. He puts himself in Lear's way, and after an exchange of words in which Caius emphasizes his plainspokenness and honesty, Lear accepts him into service. Lear's servants and knights notice that Goneril's servants no longer obey their ... | [
"Scena Quarta.",
"Enter Kent.",
"Kent. If but as will I other accents borrow,\nThat can my speech defuse, my good intent\nMay carry through it selfe to that full issue\nFor which I raiz'd my likenesse. Now banisht Kent,\nIf thou canst serue where thou dost stand condemn'd,\nSo may it come, thy Master whom thou ... |
4,598 | 2266_act_1,_scene_5 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Lear sends Kent to deliver a message to Gloucester. The Fool needles Lear further about his bad decisions, foreseeing that Regan will treat Lear no better than Goneril did. Lear calls on heaven to keep him from going mad. Lear and his attendants leave for Regan's castle | [
"Scena Quinta.",
"Enter Lear, Kent, Gentleman, and Foole.",
"Lear. Go you before to Gloster with these Letters;\nacquaint my Daughter no further with any thing you\nknow, then comes from her demand out of the Letter,\nif your Dilligence be not speedy, I shall be there afore\nyou",
"Kent. I will not sleepe my ... |
4,599 | 2266_act_2,_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Note: Many editions of King Lear, including The Norton Shakespeare, divide Act 2 into four scenes. Other editions divide Act 2 into only two scenes | [
"Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.",
"Enter Bastard, and Curan, seuerally.",
"Bast. Saue thee Curan",
"Cur. And you Sir, I haue bin\nWith your Father, and giuen him notice\nThat the Duke of Cornwall, and Regan his Duchesse\nWill be here with him this night",
"Bast. How comes that?\n Cur. Nay I know not, you hau... |
4,600 | 2266_act_2,_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | In Gloucester's castle, Gloucester's servant Curan tells Edmund that he has informed Gloucester that the duke of Cornwall and his wife, Regan, are coming to the castle that very night. Curan also mentions vague rumors about trouble brewing between the duke of Cornwall and the duke of Albany. Edmund is delighted to hear... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Enter Kent, and Steward seuerally.",
"Stew. Good dawning to thee Friend, art of this house?\n Kent. I",
"Stew. Where may we set our horses?\n Kent. I'th' myre",
"Stew. Prythee, if thou lou'st me, tell me",
"Kent. I loue thee not",
"Ste. Why then I care not for thee",
"Kent. If I h... |
4,601 | 2266_act_3,_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | A storm rages on the heath. Kent, seeking Lear in vain, runs into one of Lear's knights and learns that Lear is somewhere in the area, accompanied only by his Fool. Kent gives the knight secret information: he has heard that there is unrest between Albany and Cornwall and that there are spies for the French in the Engl... | [
"Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.",
"Storme still. Enter Kent, and a Gentleman, seuerally.",
"Kent. Who's there besides foule weather?\n Gen. One minded like the weather, most vnquietly",
"Kent. I know you: Where's the King?\n Gent. Contending with the fretfull Elements;\nBids the winde blow the Earth into the S... |
4,602 | 2266_act_3,_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Meanwhile, Lear wanders around in the storm, cursing the weather and challenging it to do its worst against him. He seems slightly irrational, his thoughts wandering from idea to idea but always returning to fixate on his two cruel daughters. The Fool, who accompanies him, urges him to humble himself before his daughte... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Storme still. Enter Lear, and Foole.",
"Lear. Blow windes, & crack your cheeks; Rage, blow\nYou Cataracts, and Hyrricano's spout,\nTill you haue drench'd our Steeples, drown the Cockes.\nYou Sulph'rous and Thought-executing Fires,\nVaunt-curriors of Oake-cleauing Thunder-bolts,\nSindge my whi... |
4,603 | 2266_act_3,_scene_3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Inside his castle, a worried Gloucester speaks with Edmund. The loyal Gloucester recounts how he became uncomfortable when Regan, Goneril, and Cornwall shut Lear out in the storm. But when he urged them to give him permission to go out and help Lear, they became angry, took possession of his castle, and ordered him nev... | [
"Enter Gloster, and Edmund.",
"Glo. Alacke, alacke Edmund, I like not this vnnaturall\ndealing; when I desired their leaue that I might pity him,\nthey tooke from me the vse of mine owne house, charg'd\nme on paine of perpetuall displeasure, neither to speake\nof him, entreat for him, or any way sustaine him",
... |
4,604 | 2266_act_3,_scene_4 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Kent leads Lear through the storm to the hovel. He tries to get him to go inside, but Lear resists, saying that his own mental anguish makes him hardly feel the storm. He sends his Fool inside to take shelter and then kneels and prays. He reflects that, as king, he took too little care of the wretched and homeless, who... | [
"Scena Quarta.",
"Enter Lear, Kent, and Foole.",
"Kent. Here is the place my Lord, good my Lord enter,\nThe tirrany of the open night's too rough\nFor Nature to endure.",
"Storme still",
"Lear. Let me alone",
"Kent. Good my Lord enter heere",
"Lear. Wilt breake my heart?\n Kent. I had rather breake min... |
4,605 | 2266_act_3,_scene_5 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Inside Gloucester's castle, Cornwall vows revenge against Gloucester, whom Edmund has betrayed by showing Cornwall a letter that proves Gloucester's secret support of a French invasion. Edmund pretends to be horrified at the discovery of his father's "treason," but he is actually delighted, since the powerful Cornwall,... | [
"Scena Quinta.",
"Enter Cornwall, and Edmund.",
"Corn. I will haue my reuenge, ere I depart his house",
"Bast. How my Lord, I may be censured, that Nature\nthus giues way to Loyaltie, something feares mee to\nthinke of",
"Cornw. I now perceiue, it was not altogether your\nBrothers euill disposition made him... |
4,606 | 2266_act_3,_scene_6 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Gloucester, Kent, Lear, and the Fool take shelter in a small building on Gloucester's property. Gloucester leaves to find provisions for the king. Lear, whose mind is wandering ever more widely, holds a mock trial of his wicked daughters, with Edgar, Kent, and the Fool presiding. Both Edgar and the Fool speak like madm... | [
"Scena Sexta.",
"Enter Kent, and Gloucester.",
"Glou. Heere is better then the open ayre, take it thankfully:\nI will peece out the comfort with what addition I\ncan: I will not be long from you.",
"Exit",
"Kent. All the powre of his wits, haue giuen way to his\nimpatience: the Gods reward your kindnesse.\n... |
4,607 | 2266_act_3,_scene_7 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Back in Gloucester's castle, Cornwall gives Goneril the treasonous letter concerning the French army at Dover and tells her to take it and show it to her husband, Albany. He then sends his servants to apprehend Gloucester so that Gloucester can be punished. He orders Edmund to go with Goneril to Albany's palace so that... | [
"Scena Septima.",
"Enter Cornwall, Regan, Gonerill, Bastard, and Seruants.",
"Corn. Poste speedily to my Lord your husband, shew\nhim this Letter, the Army of France is landed: seeke out\nthe Traitor Glouster",
"Reg. Hang him instantly",
"Gon. Plucke out his eyes",
"Corn. Leaue him to my displeasure. Edmo... |
4,608 | 2266_act_4,_scene_1 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods;They kill us for their sport. Edgar talks to himself on the heath, reflecting that his situation is not as bad as it could be. He is immediately presented with the horrifying sight of his blinded father. Gloucester is led by an old man who has been a tenant of both Gloucester ... | [
"Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.",
"Enter Edgar.",
"Edg. Yet better thus, and knowne to be contemn'd,\nThen still contemn'd and flatter'd, to be worst:\nThe lowest, and most deiected thing of Fortune,\nStands still in esperance, liues not in feare:\nThe lamentable change is from the best,\nThe worst returnes to lau... |
4,609 | 2266_act_4,_scene_2 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Goneril and Edmund arrive outside of her palace, and Goneril expresses surprise that Albany did not meet them on the way. Oswald tells her that Albany is displeased with Goneril's and Regan's actions, glad to hear that the French army had landed, and sorry to hear that Goneril is returning home. Goneril realizes that A... | [
"Scena Secunda.",
"Enter Gonerill, Bastard, and Steward.",
"Gon. Welcome my Lord. I meruell our mild husband\nNot met vs on the way. Now, where's your Master?\n Stew. Madam within, but neuer man so chang'd:\nI told him of the Army that was Landed:\nHe smil'd at it. I told him you were comming,\nHis answer was,... |
4,610 | 2266_act_4,_scene_3 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Kent, still disguised as an ordinary serving man, speaks with a gentleman in the French camp near Dover. The gentleman tells Kent that the king of France landed with his troops but quickly departed to deal with a problem at home. Kent's letters have been brought to Cordelia, who is now the queen of France and who has b... | [
"Scena Tertia.",
"Enter with Drum and Colours, Cordelia, Gentlemen, and\nSouldiours.",
"Cor. Alacke, 'tis he: why he was met euen now\nAs mad as the vext Sea, singing alowd.\nCrown'd with ranke Fenitar, and furrow weeds,\nWith Hardokes, Hemlocke, Nettles, Cuckoo flowres,\nDarnell, and all the idle weedes that g... |
4,611 | 2266_act_4,_scene_4 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Cordelia enters, leading her soldiers. Lear has hidden from her in the cornfields, draping himself in weeds and flowers and singing madly to himself. Cordelia sends one hundred of her soldiers to find Lear and bring him back. She consults with a doctor about Lear's chances for recovering his sanity. The doctor tells he... | [
"Scena Quarta.",
"Enter Regan, and Steward.",
"Reg. But are my Brothers Powres set forth?\n Stew. I Madam",
"Reg. Himselfe in person there?\n Stew. Madam with much ado:\nYour Sister is the better Souldier",
"Reg. Lord Edmund spake not with your Lord at home?\n Stew. No Madam",
"Reg. What might import m... |
4,612 | 2266_act_4,_scene_5 | Write a detailed summary of the context provided. | Back at Gloucester's castle, Oswald tells Regan that Albany's army has set out, although Albany has been dragging his feet about the expedition. It seems that Goneril is a "better soldier" than Albany. Regan is extremely curious about the letter that Oswald carries from Goneril to Edmund, but Oswald refuses to show it ... | [
"Scena Quinta.",
"Enter Gloucester, and Edgar.",
"Glou. When shall I come to th' top of that same hill?\n Edg. You do climbe vp it now. Look how we labor",
"Glou. Me thinkes the ground is eeuen",
"Edg. Horrible steepe.\nHearke, do you heare the Sea?\n Glou. No truly",
"Edg. Why then your other Senses gr... |
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