All the stored vengeances of heaven fall on her ingrateful top!
All the stored vengeances of heaven fall on her ingrateful top!
The line "All the stored vengeances of heaven fall on her ingrateful top!" is a powerful and evocative statement from William Shakespeare's play "King Lear". In this context, the speaker is King Lear himself, expressing his deep sense of betrayal and anger towards his daughter, Goneril. The use of the word "ingrateful" highlights Lear's feelings of hurt and disappointment at Goneril's actions, as he believes she has shown ingratitude towards him despite all he has done for her.The phrase "stored vengeances of heaven" suggests that Lear believes Goneril's actions have not only angered him, but have also incurred the wrath of the heavens. This adds a sense of divine retribution to Lear's curse, implying that Goneril will face punishment not just from Lear, but from a higher power as well.
The use of the word "fall" in the line also conveys a sense of inevitability and impending doom. Lear's curse is not just a wish or a threat, but a prediction of the consequences that will befall Goneril as a result of her actions. The imagery of vengeances falling on her "top" further emphasizes the idea of Goneril being brought low and facing the full force of divine retribution.
Overall, this line encapsulates the themes of betrayal, anger, and justice that run throughout "King Lear". It highlights the complex relationships between family members, the consequences of actions, and the power of words to shape destinies. Shakespeare's use of language in this line is both poetic and dramatic, drawing the audience into Lear's emotional turmoil and setting the stage for the tragic events that will unfold in the play.