Question

read the passage from act 1, scene 1, of the tragedy of king lear and examine the painting king lear: cordelias farewell

based on details from the text, which figure in the painting is cordelia?

she is the leftmost figure, dressed in black.
she is the figure in white, exiting the scene to the right.
she is the figure near the left, dressed in red.
she is the central figure, dressed in pale colors.

Explanation:

Analyze the text context and painting title

The text describes Act 1, Scene 1 of The Tragedy of King Lear, where Lear disowns his youngest daughter, Cordelia, because she refuses to flatter him. The King of France and the Duke of Burgundy are present to decide who will marry her. The painting is titled King Lear: Cordelia's Farewell.

Identify Cordelia's action and position in the scene

In this scene, Cordelia is being cast out ("farewell") and is leaving with the King of France. In the painting, the figure on the right side in pale/white clothing is being led away, exiting the scene to the right, which visually represents her departure and rejection by her father.

Evaluate the multiple-choice options

• Option 1: "She is the leftmost figure, dressed in black." (Incorrect; this does not represent Cordelia exiting or her central role in the farewell).
• Option 2: "She is the figure in white, exiting the scene to the right." (Correct; she is departing with France, symbolizing her farewell).
• Option 3: "She is the figure near the left, dressed in red." (Incorrect; Lear or another dominant figure is typically in red).
• Option 4: "She is the central figure, dressed in pale colors." (Incorrect; the central figures are stationary, whereas Cordelia is departing).

Answer:

• She is the leftmost figure, dressed in black.
• She is the figure in white, exiting the scene to the right. (Correct answer)
• She is the figure near the left, dressed in red.
• She is the central figure, dressed in pale colors.