Note to King Lear, 4.2.17-18: "I must change names at home, and give the distaff / Into my husband's hands."


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King Lear,
Act 4, Scene 2, lines 17-18
Goneril is saying that because her husband, Albany, is such a coward, she must exchange the roles of master and mistress of the household, and exchange the insignia of man and woman. [A sword is the man's insignia and a distaff, a spinning staff, symbolizes the woman's role.]
Distaff