King Lear King Lear Overview Quiz
by William Shakespeare

Question 1

Edmund says, " . . . all three now marry in an instant." Who is he referring to?

• Himself, Edgar, and Gloucester
• Regan, Goneril, and Cordelia
• Lear, Gloucester, and Kent
• Himself, Regan, and Goneril

Question 2

Who falls in love with Edmund?

• Goneril and Regan
• Goneril
• The Duchess of Gloucester and the queen
• Regan and the Duchess of Gloucester

Question 3

Complete the quotation:

LEAR: O reason not the need! our basest _________
         Are in the poorest thing superfluous.

• Children
• Villains
• Wretches
• Beggars

Question 4

Who says, "Now, gods, stand up for bastards!"

• Edgar
• Edmund
• Osric
• Edwin

Question 5

Which country sends an army to England to fight on Lear's behalf?

• France
• Spain
• Navarre
• Italy

Question 6

What does Lear realize as he wanders on the heath?

• The world is essentially meaningless
• All men -- kings and beggars alike -- are fundamentally alike
• Despair can drive even a king to crime
• Regan and Goneril are not worthy of compassion

Question 7

Who are Cordelia's suitors?

• The Duke of Cornwall and Kent
• The King of France and the Duke of Burgundy
• The Duke of Cornwall, the Duke of Burgundy, and the Earl of Kent
• The King of France and the Duke of Cornwall

Question 8

Complete the quotation:

CORDELIA:  O my dear father, restoration hang

                   Thy __________ on my lips, and let this kiss
                   Repair those violent harms that my two sisters

                   Have in thy reverence made.

• Rescue
• Medicine
• Soul
• Healing

Question 9

Where and when does King Lear take place?

• In medieval England
• In Renaissance Italy
• In ancient Britain
• In ancient Scotland

Question 10

What is Poor Tom's real name?

• Gloucester
• Kent
• Edgar
• Osric