“ Who is it that can tell me who I am? ”
William Shakespeare, King Lear (1623). copy citation
| Author | William Shakespeare |
|---|---|
| Source | King Lear |
| Topic | self identity |
| Date | 1623 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Written between 1603 and 1606 |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1128/pg1128-images.html |
Context
“
Doth Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes?
Either his notion weakens, his discernings Are lethargied- Ha! waking? 'Tis not so!
Who is it that can tell me who I am? fool. Lear's shadow.
Lear. I would learn that; for, by the marks of sovereignty,
Knowledge, and reason, I should be false persuaded I had daughters. fool. Which they will make an obedient father.” source
Doth Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes?
Either his notion weakens, his discernings Are lethargied- Ha! waking? 'Tis not so!
Who is it that can tell me who I am? fool. Lear's shadow.
Lear. I would learn that; for, by the marks of sovereignty,
Knowledge, and reason, I should be false persuaded I had daughters. fool. Which they will make an obedient father.” source
Meaning and analysis
