King Lear Notes

Act IV, Scene VII

Kent finally gets an audience with Cordelia who is, of course, thankful that Kent has done what he has done for her father. She praises him by suggesting that it will be hard for her to equal his goodness. He brushes it off saying that to be acknowledged is to be over-paid.

Cordelia wants Kent to change his clothes because they are memories of those worser hours - obviously her memories - Kent is not looking at them! Kent explains that he wants to preserve his disguise until time and he think fit - ie., until he gets aknowledgement from Lear - the very thing he feigns not to be interested in here.

Cordelia learns from the Doctor that Lear can be awoken with music. She asks if he is arrayed. The last time she saw him he tried to rip off his clothing, and she, the Fool, restrained him. Lear is brought in.

Cordelia speaks lovingly to him and about him, evoking Kent's "kind and dear princess." She recalls the night, the storm, the short and musty straw, the swine, the hovel - details which would have been known to the Fool.

Lear regains consciousness. She is keen to be known by her father. The Quarto edition says "Sir, know me." She has been with her father for so long as his Fool. It is now safe for him to know her and she wants that. But her father is "still, still, far wide." "Still" since when? Since a few momenrts previously when he was brought to her or since the hovel?

Lear realizes that he should know Cordelia, and eventually names her much to her relief. He tries to bow before her, but she bows instead.

She asks for his blessing. Lear asks Cordelia for her forgiveness.

The Doctor advises Cordelia, in Kent's hearing, that her father is returning to normal again, but it is dangerous to remind him of what he has experienced.

France chats with Kent allowing him to confirm that Edmund is the General of Cornwall's army, and then reporting rumours that Edgar and Kent are exiles in Germany. Kent is proud to be able to say that it's time for this Gentleman to look about - in other words, you will soon see that things are not what they seem. Ironically Kent is the one deceived. In Leir France tells his troops to "look about you".

France leaves for the battle which he estimates is likely to be devastating. He will die in it. Kent reflects that everything he hopes for will soon either be his or not his depending on the outcome of the battle.

Next scene

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