Question

In the following lines from Act I, scene i of King Lear, what does the final line mean?

LEAR
What can you say to draw
A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak.

CORDELIA
Nothing, my lord.

LEAR
Nothing?

CORDELIA
Nothing.

LEAR
How? Nothing will come of nothing. Speak again

You will get your reward even if you are silent.

I have nothing and you have nothing.

If you don't speak up, you will get nothing.

Your silence shows your contempt for me.

Answer 1

Well, do you know what contempt is?