King Lear, ACT IV - Scene VII. quiz

Questions and answers

1. 1

   Question 1. Why does Kent ask Cordelia not to reveal who he is yet?

   • He fears Lear will banish him a second time
   • Correct answer: Being known now would cut short his plan
   • He is ashamed of how he served the king
   • Edmund's spies are watching the French camp

   Kent says that being known now 'shortens my made intent,' so he asks her to keep his secret until the time is right.

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2. 2

   Question 2. What has been done for Lear while he slept?

   • He was carried back to Gloucester's castle
   • Correct answer: He was dressed in fresh garments
   • He was given a sleeping draught by Cordelia
   • He was crowned again by the French lords

   The Gentleman reports that in the heaviness of his sleep they put fresh garments on him.

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3. 3

   Question 3. When Lear first wakes, who does he think Cordelia is?

   • One of the French king's attendants
   • His daughter Goneril come to mock him
   • Correct answer: A spirit, because he believes he has died
   • A nurse sent to him by the Doctor

   Lear calls her 'a soul in bliss' and asks 'When did you die?', believing they are both beyond the grave.

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4. 4

   Question 4. How does Lear test whether he is really awake and alive?

   • Correct answer: He feels a pin prick his skin
   • He asks Kent to tell him his own name
   • He calls for the Fool to sing to him
   • He tries to stand and walk without help

   Lear says he will not swear these are his hands, then notes 'I feel this pin prick' as he tries to be sure of his condition.

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5. 5

   Question 5. What does Lear offer to do if Cordelia has poison for him?

   • Give it to Goneril and Regan instead
   • Throw it away and swear to live
   • Share it with her so that they die together
   • Correct answer: Drink it, since she has cause to hate him

   Lear says 'If you have poison for me, I will drink it,' because he believes she has good reason not to love him.

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6. 6

   Question 6. Why does the Doctor advise that Lear be taken inside?

   • The battle is about to begin outside the tent
   • Correct answer: Making him recall the lost time is dangerous
   • Lear has fallen asleep again in his chair
   • Cordelia must meet the French generals alone

   The Doctor says the great rage is killed in him, but it is dangerous to make him account for the lost time until he is more settled.

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7. 7

   Question 7. What is ironic about the Gentleman's rumor that Edgar is 'with the Earl of Kent in Germany'?

   • The Gentleman is actually Edgar in disguise
   • Edgar has already died before the scene begins
   • Correct answer: He is saying it to Kent, who stands right in front of him
   • Germany is the country Lear plans to flee to next

   The Gentleman does not know he is speaking to the disguised Kent, so the rumor is plainly false to the audience.

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8. 8

   Question 8. Which of these events actually occur in Act 4, Scene 7?

   • Music plays as the Doctor prepares to wake Lear.

     Happened

   • Cordelia kisses her sleeping father.

     Happened

   • Kent reveals his true identity to Lear.

     Didn't happen

   • Lear asks Cordelia to forget and forgive.

     Happened

   • Goneril arrives at the French camp to make peace.

     Didn't happen

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9. 9

   Question 9. Which of these details are true of the scene?

   • Lear says he is past eighty years old.

     Happened

   • Lear asks whether he is in France.

     Happened

   • Cordelia demands an apology before she will forgive him.

     Didn't happen

   • Kent says Edmund now leads Cornwall's people.

     Happened

   • The Doctor says Lear will never recover his mind.

     Didn't happen

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10. 10

    Question 10. What does 'temperance' mean as used in: 'I doubt not of his temperance.'?

    • Anger and a quick temper
    • Correct answer: Self-control and calmness of mind
    • Bodily strength and good health in old age
    • A high fever that comes and goes

    The Doctor trusts that Lear will wake calm and self-controlled now that his great rage has passed.

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11. 11

    Question 11. What does 'benediction' mean as used in: 'And hold your hands in benediction o'er me.'?

    • A curse spoken against an enemy
    • A royal command or decree
    • Correct answer: A blessing given over someone
    • A promise to return a kingdom

    Cordelia asks her father to bless her, the reverse of the curse he once laid on her.

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12. 12

    Question 12. What does 'fond' mean as used in: 'I am a very foolish fond old man,'?

    • Correct answer: Foolish or doting
    • Deeply affectionate toward children
    • Wealthy and well respected
    • Cruel and quick to punish

    In Shakespeare's English, fond means foolish, so Lear is stressing his own weakness and folly.

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