Question

read the following lines from the first scene of king lear:
\meantime we shall express our darker purpose.
give me the map there. know we have divided
in three our kingdom; . . .\
which theme do these lines introduce?
(1 point)

○ power, since lear has the final say in how he will divide his kingdom

○ wisdom, since lear uses sound reasoning to divide his kingdom

○ justice, since lear realizes he no longer has the right to rule his kingdom

○ betrayal, since lear has ill intentions for how he will divide up his kingdom

○ truth, since lear requires honesty from those who want to rule his kingdom

Explanation:

To determine the theme, analyze each option:

• "Power": Lear is deciding to divide his kingdom, showing he has the authority (final say) over this decision, which relates to power.
• "Wisdom": Lear's decision to divide the kingdom based on flattery (later context) is not sound reasoning, so this is incorrect.
• "Justice": The lines don't show Lear giving up his right to rule; he's actively dividing it, so this is wrong.
• "Betrayal": The lines mention "darker purpose" but don't indicate ill intentions toward others yet—betrayal is more about others' actions or his later being betrayed, not his division plan here.
• "Truth": The lines don't focus on requiring honesty from others for ruling; they're about his division of the kingdom.

So the correct theme introduction is about power as Lear has the final say in dividing the kingdom.

Answer:

A. power, since Lear has the final say in how he will divide his kingdom