Quote Explanation

Lear expresses his frustration with Cordelia's refusal to flatter him,

"Nothing will come of nothing."
"How sharper than a serpent's tooth begin to reveal their true natures after receiving his kingdom and
it is to have a thankless child!"
"I am a man more sinned against
than sinning."
"The prince of darkness is a
gentleman."
"As flies to wanton boys are we to
the gods. They kill us for their
sport."
"When we are born, we cry that we
are come to this great stage of
fools."
suggesting that she will inherit nothing from him if she continues to
refuse to profess her love.
Lear realizes the pain of having ungrateful children, as Goneril and Regan
hospitality.
Lear acknowledges the injustices done to him by his daughters,
portraying himself as a victim of betrayal and ingratitude rather than a
wrongdoer.
Gloucester ironically speaks this line, unaware that he is referring to his
own illegitimate son, Edmund, who is plotting against him and his
legitimate son, Edgar.
Gloucester reflects on the cruelty of fate, suggesting that humans are
mere playthings to the gods who capriciously control their destinies.
Lear expresses his disillusionment with the human condition, lamenting
the absurdity and folly of life.