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act 1 scene 1 - Coggle Diagram

- - - - Gloucester introduces his illegitimate son Edmund
        
        , but he Favours both his sons "who yet is no dearer in my account – a Jacobean audience wouldn’t like this statement as he is favouring a bastard son and so seems okay with adultery.
    - - We learn inheritance issues are at stake (a matter of national concern for Shakespeare’s audience as Elizabeth the first was childless and heir-less). Also, learn ideas about favoritism. There are also potential hints at feminism as Kent talks about the husbands, not the females.
- - - - The king is getting older and wants to pass the responsibilities of ruling to his daughters and says it’s better to do it now than when he is dead as it will prevent ‘future strife’(Ironic), and whoever loves him most in the ‘love-test’ will get the biggest share. (this seems foolish and not the act of a responsible ruler)
        
        Gonerill and Regan say they love him in an over-dramatic way using hyperboles . Even the audience would probably notice this is too exaggerated and unbelievable.
        
        Goneril establishes a paradox through alternating between hyperbole,she loves her father “more than word can wield the matter.” Later as well, she says her love renders her speechless: her love makes “breath poor and speech unable,” In addition to the length of her speech, which make it clear that the statements are untrue, she generally deploys abstract concepts, including liberty, grace, and honor.
      - Cordelia employs a completely different strategy, as she refrains from trying to convince her father. No flowery language, just one simple metaphor: I cannot put my heart in my mouth. The rest of her short speech rejects hyperbole: “no more nor less.”
        
        Cordelia’s honest love and devotion are reflected in her forthrightness and the pared-down statements, which contrast well with both her sisters’ more flowery speech. One of Lear’s flaws is his extreme susceptibility to flattery, about which the Fool teases him to no avail. The two greedy daughters understand their father’s character, and they set about using the specific words and the message that they believe will sway him in their direction.
    - - Cordelia makes her final statement saying that in due time the truths will come out (the way she says this point is very much like an old proverb that states “he that hidesth his sins shall not prosper” – this proverb is usually read out on the 26th of December which is ironic as ‘King Lear’ was first shown in James’ court on the 26th of December) and she leaves with France. The sisters tell her she deserves all the same treatment that she has done to Lear.