KING LEAR - Act 1 Scene 2

KING LEAR - Act 1 Scene 2

1. Gloucester is alarmed by what he reads in the FAKE LETTER

   • 'Edgar suggests that he is unhappy because he wants to enjoy Gloucester's fortunes now, and feels frustrated by the 'idle and fond bondage' of 'age tyranny'
     • He seems to be suggesting that he wants Gloucester dead so he and Edmund can inherit his father's land
       • Edmund also tells his father that he heard Edgar say that 'sons at perfect age and fathers declined, the father should be as ward to the son, and the son manage his revenue' (lines 73-5

2. In Edmund's soliloquy he offers his view on life. He refuses to submit to the patriarchal hierarchy (seen in 1.1) . Instead he declares that nature is his goddess.

   • He argues that he possesses personal qualities that make him his legitimate brother's equal. therefore why should he be denied to 'grow and 'prosper' - Like Goneril and Regan, he is ready to defend his own interests,

3. He has written a letter which he intends to gain advantage over Edgar. ( At this point in the play he seeks to inherit his brother's land)

4. Gloucester enters disturbed by Lear's rashness

5. He notices Edmund putting away his letter and asks to see it. Edmund pretends to be reluctant to allow his father to see the letter, which is supposedly from Edgar.

6. Gloucester demands that Edgar be 'apprehended' (arrested) but Edmund pretends to be concerned about their family's honour and suggests to wait for Edgar to condemn himself before taking action

7. Gloucester puts his trust in Edmund to discover Edgar's true feelings

8. Gloucester then reflects pessimistically on the conflict in the nation

   • He mentions predictions of discord, treason, friendships cooling and fathers and sons going against the 'bias of nature' (line 111)

9. In Edmund's soliloquy he rejects his father's superstitious beliefs.

   • He says the 'whoremaster man' (lines 126-7) is responsible for his own fortunes and actions

10. He pretends to be musing on the effects of the recent eclipses when he sees Edgar.

11. The brother's joke about Edmund's supposed fondness for astronomy

12. Edmund warns Edgar that he has offended Gloucester and to stay out of his way.

    • Edgar is alarmed by this and fears that 'Some villain hath done me wring' (line 162)

13. Edmund suggests that Edgar go into hiding at his lodgings. His brother falls into the plan

14. Themes

15. Motifis