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King Lear
Background Info
Author Bio When Published: 1608; 1623 King Lear is thus twofold. Reading it you should keep in mind
Full Name: William Shakespeare Literary Period: The Renaissance both the history of King Leir and the discussions on union/
Date of Birth: 1564 Related Literary Works: Shakespeare drew the main plot disunion of Great Britain in Shakespeare’s own time.
Place of Birth: Stratford upon Avon, England of King Lear—that is, the story of a ruler who divides his
Date of Death: 1616 kingdom among his children and is consequently ruined— Extra Credit
Brief Life Story: Shakespeare’s father was a glove-maker, from several sources describing the legendary British king of Poor Tom. The character of Poor Tom or the Bedlam Beggar,
and Shakespeare received no more than a grammar school that name. Scholars believe that the most important source as which Edgar disguises himself, is based on vagabonds
education. He married Anne Hathaway in 1582, but left his was the second edition of Raphael Holinshed’s Chronicles or madmen considered dangerous in England at the time.
family behind around 1590 and moved to London, where of England, Scotland, and Ireland (1587); Holinshed himself “Bedlam” was a slang word for “Bethlehem,” which was the
he became an actor and playwright. He was an immediate had taken the story of Lear from the History of the British name of a mental institution in London.
success: Shakespeare soon became the most popular Kingdom by Geoffrey of Monmouth, written in the twelfth Two Versions. There are actually two different versions of
playwright of the day as well as a part-owner of the Globe century. (Critics have also pointed out that Lear’s rejection King Lear—The History of King Lear published in quarto form
Theater. His theater troupe was adopted by King James as of Cordelia resembles numerous classical British fairy tales, in 1608 and The Tragedy of King Lear, which was published in
the King’s Men in 1603. Shakespeare retired as a rich and where a father rejects a daughter on the grounds that he does the First Folio (1623) and is very substantially revised from
prominent man to Stratford-upon-Avon in 1613, and died not believe she loves him enough.) Shakespeare drew further the play published in 1608. Before the 1990s, editors usually
three years later. subplots from Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queen (1590), “blended” the two texts, taking what they believed were the
which also features a character named Cordelia, who dies by best versions of each scene. In recent times, some editors
Key Facts hanging; and from Sir Philip Sidney’s Arcadia (1580-90), which have started focusing on the “original” 1608 edition.
Full Title: The Tragedy of King Lear contains an outline of the Gloucester subplot. Poor Fool. In Shakespeare’s day, the roles of Cordelia and the
Genre: Tragedy Related Historical Events: In the period in which King Fool were often “doubled”—played by the same actor—since
Setting: Venice, and the neighboring country estate of Lear was written—from 1604 to 1607—King James VI, King the two characters are never on stage at the same time.
Belmont of Scotland and England, was trying to persuade English Shakespeare alludes to this fact at several points in the play.
Climax: Lear raging in the thunderstorm Parliament to approve the union of the two countries into one The first time that Lear summons the Fool, in 1.4, both he
Protagonists: King Lear, Cordelia, Edgar, Gloucester nation. (It was James who first used the term “Great Britain” and his Knight observe that the Fool has been melancholy
Antagonist: Regan, Goneril, Edmund to describe the unity of the Celtic and Saxon lands: England, ever since Cordelia was sent to France. More famously, in
Scotland, and Wales.) Such a combination of nations is called 5.3, upon learning of Cordelia’s death, Lear remarks “And my
Historical and Literary Context “accession.” In his speeches to Parliament, he regularly poor fool is hanged” (5.3.369). Sometimes directors staging
When Written: c. 1605 referred to the misfortunes that had been brought about by the play invent a scene in which the Fool himself is hanged, to
Where Written: England the disunion of England under King Leir, the historical source explain this line, but the tradition of doubling the characters is
of Shakespeare’s play. The historical context of Shakespeare’s the better explanation.

Plot Summary
King Lear intends to divide his kingdom among his three from Lear and Goneril. Kent insults Oswald and challenges him hallucinates that Goneril and Regan are on trial before himself,
daughters, so that he can enjoy old age without the burdens of to fight. Roused by the disturbance, Cornwall puts Kent into the Edgar, and the Fool. Gloucester returns, tells Kent that Goneril,
power. He has planned a ceremony in which each daughter will stocks—even though such an action is disrespectful to Lear. Regan, and their husbands are plotting Lear’s death, and asks
state how much she loves him, before an audience of nobles Elsewhere in the countryside, Edgar disguises himself as a mad Kent to rush Lear to Cordelia, who has landed with France at
including Lear’s long-trusted advisor, Kent, the Earl of Glouc- beggar “Poor Tom” in order to escape the death sentence de- Dover. Back inside the palace, Cornwall sends men to capture
ester, and two suitors for his youngest daughter’s hand, Bur- clared by his father. Lear himself arrives at Gloucester’s castle. Gloucester and sends Edmund and Goneril to tell Albany that
gundy and France. During the ceremony, his elder daughters, Upset to find his man Kent (still in disguise) in the stocks, he the French have landed. When Cornwall’s forces bring in the
Goneril and Regan each profess to love Lear more than any- grows increasingly angry when Cornwall and Regan refuse to captured Gloucester, Cornwall and Regan pull out Gloucester’s
thing in the world. However, his youngest daughter, Cordelia, see him. Shortly after Regan finally comes out, Goneril arrives. eyes as punishment for his treachery. However, Cornwall’s
refuses to play along; when her turn comes, she says that she Lear quarrels bitterly with both, as Regan joins Goneril in claim- Servant attempts to stop him; they end up dueling. Although
loves Lear “no more, no less” than she should as a daughter. ing that Lear does not need to maintain any attendants of his Regan stabs the servant in the back, Cornwall receives a
Enraged, Lear strips her of her dowry, and banishes Kent when own. When each says that he may stay with them only if he wound that will eventually kill him. Regan throws the now
the latter attempts to intercede on Cordelia’s behalf. France dismisses all of his knights, Lear rushes, mad with rage, into a blinded Gloucester out of his own castle. Two servants take
says he will marry Cordelia even without a dowry. Lear then brewing storm. Cornwall, Regan, and Goneril lock up Glouces- pity on Gloucester, and decide to try to help him find Poor Tom,
tells the gathered nobles that he will keep one hundred knights ter’s castle to keep Lear out. who they know is Edgar in disguise.
and alternate months living with Goneril and her husband, Searching for Lear, Kent, who has been released from Outside Gloucester’s palace, Edgar, still disguised as Poor
Albany, and Regan and her husband, Cornwall. the stocks, meets a Gentleman who tells him that Lear and Tom, meets his blinded father. Deeply moved, he agrees to
Back at Gloucester’s palace, Edmund, Gloucester’s illegiti- the Fool are alone in the storm. Kent tells the Gentleman show him the way to Dover. Meanwhile, Goneril and Edmund
mate son, plans to displace his legitimate brother, Edgar, as that French forces are on their way to England. He gives the have traveled back to her palace to fetch Albany. However,
Gloucester’s heir by turning Gloucester against Edgar. Edmund Gentleman his purse along with an identifying ring to bring to Oswald meets them and reports that Albany has changed.
tricks Gloucester into thinking that Edgar is conspiring to kill Cordelia, and asks the Gentleman to tell her about the injustice Goneril quickly sends Edmund away. When Albany emerges,
him. Meanwhile, Goneril, with whom Lear has gone to live first, that Lear has suffered. Meanwhile, Lear has gone mad and is he berates her for her brutality to her father. In response, she
becomes angry with her father and his knights for causing raging against the storm, while the Fool begs him to seek shel- criticizes him for becoming cowardly. A messenger arrives,
chaos in her household. She orders her steward Oswald to ter. When Kent finds them, he leads them toward a hovel. Back interrupting their argument with news of both the death of
treat Lear coldly. Meanwhile, the banished Kent returns to Lear inside the castle, Gloucester confides in Edmund that he has Cornwall from the wound his servant gave him as well as the
in disguise, offers his services, and is accepted as part of Lear’s decided to try to help Lear; he also reports that he has received blinding of Gloucester.
company. Goneril criticizes Lear for his knights’ rowdiness and a letter about the French invasion. After Gloucester leaves to In the French camp, Kent and a Gentleman discuss Cord-
demands that he dismiss half of them. Deeply insulted and find Lear, Edmund tells the audience that he will betray his elia’s love of Lear, which has brought her back to Britain at
angered, Lear curses Goneril and prepares to leave to go and father to Cornwall. the head of an invading French army. Kent reports that Lear
stay with Regan along with his Fool and his other followers. Out on the heath, having reached the hovel, Lear, Kent, and himself is in Dover and, although he has spells of sanity, he
Back at Gloucester’s castle, Edmund’s conspiracy moves the Fool find Edgar, disguised as Poor Tom, inside. Gloucester is too ashamed to see Cordelia. In the camp, Cordelia herself
along. After Edmund tricks Edgar into fleeing, Gloucester, finds them soon after, and leads them to the shelter of a house. sends a search party after her father. Back at Gloucester’s
convinced of Edgar’s evil intentions, condemns him to death, Inside Gloucester’s castle, Edmund tells Cornwall about Glouc- palace, Regan questions Oswald about Goneril and Edmund.
declaring Edmund his legitimate heir. Cornwall and Regan ester’s decision to help Lear and hands over the incriminating She states her feeling that, now that she is a widow, she should
arrive at Gloucester’s castle and welcome Edmund into their letter from France. In return, Cornwall makes Edmund Earl of marry Edmund and asks Oswald to convince Goneril of the
service. Outside, Kent and Oswald arrive with letters for Regan Gloucester. Back in the house, hiding from the storm, Lear logic of this. As Oswald hurries off with a letter for Edmund
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from Goneril, Regan adds that she will show favor to anyone camp, Lear is awakened by the doctor treating him and is re- bany’s Herald, Edgar arrives in disguise and fights and wounds
who kills the blinded Gloucester. Meanwhile, hoping to cure united with Cordelia. Edmund, who, dying, admits to all his treacheries. Edgar identi-
Gloucester of his despair, Edgar pretends to lead him to the At her camp, at the start of the battle, Goneril argues with fies himself and explains that, right before coming, he revealed
cliffs of Dover (they are actually on flat ground). When Glouc- Albany; she tells herself that she would rather lose the war himself to Gloucester; Gloucester died in that moment of a mix
ester jumps, to commit suicide (in fact just fainting and falling), against the French than let Regan marry Edmund. Edgar, still of grief and joy. Goneril has poisoned Regan beforehand, in the
Edgar then hurries over to him while pretending to be someone disguised as a peasant, brings Goneril’s letter to Edmund, hopes of securing Edmund for herself; however, when he dies,
who saw Gloucester jump, and telling Gloucester that the fact describing her plot against Albany, to Albany then quickly she also stabs herself. Before he dies, Edmund admits that he
that he survived is a miracle. Lear shows up, raving mad; he leaves, with instructions that Albany must summon him with sent his Captain to hang Cordelia and kill Lear. Albany sends
jabbers at Gloucester about lechery, the abuse of power, and three blows of a trumpet after the battle with the French, if the soldiers running off to try to save them. However, it is too late:
other human faults. When some of Cordelia’s search party turn British have won. While Edgar places Gloucester beneath a tree Lear emerges from the prison with Cordelia’s body in his arms,
up, Lear runs off. Just the, Oswald happens upon Edgar and to rest, the battle takes place off stage. In the battle, Britain mad with grief. He explains that he killed the Captain who hung
Gloucester. He attempts to kill Gloucester but Edgar kills him. defeats France and Lear and Cordelia are captured by Edmund. her but was too late to save her life. Lear dies of his sorrow on
In Oswald’s purse, Edgar finds letters from Goneril to Edmund Edmund sends them to jail, then sends a Captain after them the spot. Only Albany and Edgar remain to pick up the pieces,
plotting Albany’s death so that they can marry. In the French with secret instructions to kill them both. Summoned by Al- as Kent concludes that he soon must follow his master (i.e., kill
himself, too).

Characters
King Lear – The aging king of Britain and tragic hero of the nature when she aids her husband, the Duke of Cornwall, in Fool – Lear’s jester, who accompanies him through much of
play. Lear, who is used to complete obedience from everyone blinding Gloucester. the play. Although his statements come out as riddles, the Fool
around him, makes two related major errors: giving up of offers insight into Lear’s mistakes and their consequences.
political responsibility by transferring power to his daughters; Gloucester – An earl, or nobleman, who is loyal to Lear and Insofar as he stays with Lear, despite all his mockery and criti-
and trusting the flattering Goneril and Regan over the plain- similar to him in many ways. Like Lear, Gloucester misjudges cisms (and at his peril, during the violent storm in Act 3), the
spoken, but true, Cordelia. Despite his flaws he is able to his children, trusting his scheming illegitimate son, Edmund, Fool, like Kent, Gloucester, and Cordelia, proves himself loyal.
maintain the loyalty of certain subjects, particularly Kent and over his honest and good child from his legal marriage, Ed-
Gloucester. However, these will not be enough to save him gar. Albany – The husband of Lear’s older daughter, Goneril, and a
from madness and death. Duke. Albany is kind and generous, in contrast to his malicious
Edmund – Gloucester’s younger, illegitimate son. Edmund wife, and criticizes her for her treacherous behavior toward
Cordelia – Lear’s youngest daughter, whom he disowns resents the fact that the accident of his birth has deprived him her father. However, he realizes the viciousness of the other
when she refuses to flatter him, as her sisters do, during the of legal status (and, therefore, an inheritance). He schemes to characters he is aligned with (namely, Edmund and Regan) too
ceremony in which he hands over power. Cordelia remains turn Gloucester against his legitimate son, Edgar, and eventu- late in the play to prevent the evil that they cause.
loyal to Lear despite his unjust harshness to her at the be- ally usurp his title. Eloquent and seductively wicked, Edmund
ginning of the play and even seems prepared to forgive her almost succeeds in carrying out his malign plots to fruition. Cornwall – Cornwall is the husband of Lear’s middle daugh-
treacherous sisters at the end. Other characters who do not ter, Regan, and just as vicious as she is. He disrespects Lear by
betray Lear—particularly Kent—admire Cordelia for her virtue Edgar – Gloucester’s elder, legitimate son. Although at first putting his man Kent in the stocks and, later, violently blinds
and mildness. Edgar comes across as a bit naïve, easily duped by Edmund, he Gloucester.
later disguises himself successfully as a madman beggar and
Goneril – Lear’s vicious older daughter, who is the first to flat- manages not only to save himself from the death sentence his Oswald – Goneril’s steward, or chief servant. Oswald’s blind
ter him in the power-transfer ceremony and the first to insult misled father has pronounced on him, but also to help Glouc- obedience to the evil Goneril earns him contempt from the
him afterwards, throwing him and his knights out of her house. ester and Lear and to avenge the wrongs committed by his “good” characters Kent and Edgar, and eventually costs him
Goneril’s ruthless temperament contrasts with that of her traitorous half-brother. his life.
husband, the Duke of Albany. In the end, she plots against
Albany, and even against her former ally, her sister Regan, out Kent – A nobleman of the same rank as Gloucester, banished France – The husband of Cordelia. France is a benevolent
of lust for Edmund. by Lear in the first scene when he attempts to intercede with character, who takes Cordelia as his wife without a dowry,
the king on Cordelia’s behalf. Kent spends most of the play dis- when she has been rejected by her father, and even sends her
Regan – Lear’s middle daughter, who shares the vicious traits guised as Caius, a disguise he takes on so that he can continue back to England with the French army to rectify the wrongs
of Goneril, also flattering him in the power-transfer scene and to serve Lear even after being thrown out of his kingdom. carried out by Goneril and Regan against Lear. However,
abusing him thereafter. Regan shows her particularly brutal France only appears in the first scene.

Themes
In LitCharts, each theme gets its own corresponding color, before committing suicide when Edmund himself is killed, thus public dimension, authority and order in this play exist at both
which you can use to track where the themes occur in the ensuring the complete annihilation of the Lear line. the level of the family and the level of the nation.
work. There are two ways to track themes: Edmund’s conspiracy to mislead Gloucester into disinherit- Throughout the tragedy, Lear and other characters also re-
ing his legitimate son Edgar provides a foil to the Lear family peatedly invoke the ideas of natural and divine order. Lear
• Refer to the color-coded bars next to each plot point situation throughout the play. Edmund—who is Gloucester’s appeals to the idea of divine justice when his children treat him
throughout the Summary and Analysis sections. illegitimate or “natural” son from an affair outside marriage, unjustly (e.g. after his final quarrel with Goneril and Regan: “O
• Use the ThemeTracker section to get a quick overview of rather than a legitimate or “legal” one—further highlights the heavens,/ If you do love old men […] Send down and take my
where the themes appear throughout the entire work. question of where parent-child loyalty stems from: biology or part” [2.4.218-221]). Gloucester similarly calls out to the gods
socially acknowledged status. And, indeed, the private or fa- after he has been betrayed and blinded in 3.7. Meanwhile, na-
Fathers, Children, and Siblings milial sphere is inseparable from the public and political realm ture in the play seems to mirror the political chaos of the play,
The personal drama of King Lear revolves around the destruc- in King Lear. Fatherhood, in the play, serves as a model and particularly in the form of the brutal storm that rages even as
tion of family relationships. Tragedy emerges from bonds metaphor for kingly leadership, while the narrative regarding Lear himself, the former embodiment of order in the kingdom,
broken between parents and children—and, at a secondary the disintegration of families parallels the disintegration of the rages in his own madness.
level, from the loss of ties among siblings. Lear, misreading British state.
Cordelia’s understated, but true, devotion to him renounces Disintegration, Chaos, Nothingness
his “parental care” (1.1.127) of her. This rejection is twofold. Authority and Order Although Lear begins as a figure of authority and order, when
Lear withdraws his “father’s heart” (1.1.142); he also strips At the beginning of the play, Lear is an authority figure, em- he gives up his power and Goneril and Regan turn against
Cordelia of the financial and political support that formerly bodying order in his own person and commanding it from his him, he falls apart, going mad. Moreover, his personal decline
made her attractive to her suitors. Driven by greed and ambi- family and followers. (This is how he is able to compel his elder parallels a farther-reaching dissolution of order and justice in
tion, Goneril and Regan fail to show any solidarity with their two daughters to participate in the dramatic ceremony dividing the British state. Lear’s error, based on blindness and misjudg-
sister in 1.1. And later, despite their strong professions of love the kingdom by professing their absolute love on cue, precisely ment, doesn’t just ruin him personally. It leads to a political
for Lear, they both betray him in order to consolidate their when he demands it; this is why Gloucester, Kent, and others situation in which there is no order to guarantee justice, de-
political authority. In addition, although the two “tigers, not respectfully watch the ceremony unfold, despite thinking that spite his (and Gloucester’s) repeated appeals to the gods.
daughters” (4.2.49) initially ally with each other, their lustful Lear’s plan to give up power is a bad idea.) Just as the father- Cordelia’s first answer to Lear’s command that she pro-
desire for Edmund ultimately drive Goneril to murder Regan, child bonds discussed above encompass both a private and a nounce her love for him, the answer that first enrages him
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against her, is (in 1.1) is “nothing.” After that first appearance, [2.4.165-9]. Yet, together with the father-child bond, the play Deliberately adopting the mad manner of a bedlam beggar,
the word “nothing” recurs constantly throughout the play in also suggests at various points that age should command Edgar provides a counterpoint to Lear’s uncontrollable mad-
the mouths of multiple characters. The repetition of this word respect. The fact that Lear’s daughters abuse him for being old ness, particularly in the storm scene (3.2).
highlights the theme of nothingness, and of the complete lack makes their cruelty seem all the worse and also indicates that
of meaning that results from nothingness – after all, when all they care about is power, without any thought for wisdom. Blindness and Insight
everything is destroyed, it is not possible to compare anything Cornwall and Regan’s brutality to Gloucester is similarly height- The tragic errors that King Lear and Gloucester make in
to anything else, and in such a void, without any ability to ened by our awareness of his age—for instance, when Regan misjudging their children constitute a form of figurative blind-
compare, nothing can have any meaning. And, ultimately, it plucks Gloucester’s white beard in 3.7. ness—a lack of insight into the true characters of those around
is hard to argue that the ending of the play offers any justice them. Reminding the audience of this fact, the language of the
at all: while the “bad guys” of Edmund, Goneril, Regan, and Fooling and Madness play resounds with references to eyes and seeing from the
Cornwall are all killed, so are the heroes of Lear, Gloucester, From early on in the play, the Fool is probably the character very beginning. Cornwall and Regan make these images and
and Cordelia. Nearly the entire social order, good and bad, is with the greatest insight into what the consequences of Lear’s metaphors of (failed) vision brutally literal when they blind
annihilated and turned to nothing. As Lear himself cries out in misjudgments of his daughers will be. (The Fool’s only compe- Gloucester in 3.7. For the remainder of the play, Gloucester
the moments before he dies, while holding the dead Cordelia tition in this respect comes from Kent in 1.1; in 1.2 Gloucester serves as a kind of walking reminder of the tragic errors of
in his arms, with his kingdom destroyed: “Never, never, never, seems only to have a vague intuition that Lear’s decision was blindness that he and Lear have committed. Yet, Gloucester’s
never, never” (5.3.372). a mistake.) Calling Lear himself a Fool and admonishing him greater insight into the character of his two sons after he is
that he has reduced himself to “nothing” by dividing and hand- blinded reflects an irony: literal blindness ironically produces
Old Age ing off his kingdom, the Fool recognizes that by giving up his insight. Only when Gloucester is blind can he see things for
Originally, Lear wishes to free himself of the burdens of ruling authority Lear is essentially ensuring his own destruction and what they are.
his kingdom because he is aware of his old age and wishes to the destruction of his kingdom. Throughout the play, characters allude to, and call upon,
“crawl unburdened toward death” (1.1.42). As his choice of the Just as the Fool’s apparently nonsensical comments contain the gods and the heavens watching over them. As noted
verb “crawl” suggests, Lear has a sense that old age forces some of the most sensible advice that Lear receives on his be- above, the gods and heavens suggest order and eventual
the individual to remember his or her animal aspect—that is, havior, Lear himself gains increasing insight into his situation as justice. However, as watchers of the action of the play, the
the fact that human beings, like animals, are subjected to the he moves from sanity to madness. His raving—for instance, in gods also become a kind of audience, and like the audience
forces of physical nature and have physical needs. the storm or on Dover Beach—often resembles the riddling, but they both see the story of what is happening more completely
Age as Goneril and Regan unkindly observe at various incisive, barbs of the Fool. It is possible to argue that in a world than the individual characters on stage and can’t seem to do
points, brings a kind of weakness with it. Regan mocks Lear: that itself does not seem to make sense—a world of death, of anything to stop it.
“O, sir, you are old […] You should be ruled and led/ By some raging storms, of children who turn against their parents—it
discretion that discerns your state/ Better than you yourself” makes sense that madness might be the most sane reaction.

Symbols
Symbols are shown in red text whenever they appear in the the stars and gods together as benevolent spectators of their other disloyal members of Lear’s court, can spout beautiful
Plot Summary and Summary and Analysis sections of this sad plights, and as forces for justice. (E.g., Lear cries out in 2.4: language about love and honor, and then stab their father in
LitChart. “You heavens, give me that patience […] You see me here, you the back.
gods, a poor old man” (313-4).
The Stars, Heavens, and the Gods Clothing and Costumes
In Shakespeare’s time there was a particularly strong belief Animals Complementing the many references to animals throughout
that order on earth depended on order in the heavens—or, as From start to finish, King Lear is full of references to animals, the play are mentions of clothing and instances of disguise.
Kent puts it, that “the stars above us govern our conditions” usually incorporated into insults and curses or used to de- Kent, banished by Lear, disguises himself as the commoner
(4.3.39). Celestial bodies are thus both a metaphor of order scribe states of maximum human degradation. (The Fool Caius. Edgar, fleeing Gloucester’s mistaken wrath, transforms
and a potential source of disorder, when they go awry. Mul- also frequently tells jokes or sings songs involving non-human himself the mad beggar, Poor Tom. As the honorable charac-
tiple characters in King Lear make references to eclipses that creatures.) Lear himself observes, in his rage at Goneril and ters of the play must take off their fine clothes and put on dis-
have taken place; in Act 1 Scene 2 in particular, Gloucester Regan : “Allow not nature more than nature needs,/ Man’s life guises to remain loyal, and Lear associates Goneril and Regan’s
attributes the chaos in Lear’s court—the banishment of Kent is cheap as beast’s” (2.4.307-8). Throughout the play, animals fine clothing with their duplicity, clothing becomes a symbol of
and abrupt departure of Cordelia and France—to “these late present a vision of brutal nature to which men can descend, the desire for power and status that corrupts characters like
eclipses of the sun and moon” (1.2.109). Edmund then mock- and yet the animals are also held up as less corrupt than men. Goneril, Regan, Edmund, and Cornwall. On Dover beach Lear
ingly takes up the theme of “what should follow these eclipses” After all the beasts are just beasts, and are naturally brutal, remarks to Gloucester: “Through tattered clothes small vices
(1.2.148). Later in the play, Lear and Gloucester both appeal to while the finely dressed Goneril and Regan, along with the do appear./ Robes and furred gowns hide all” [4.6.181-2].

Summary and Analysis

The color-coded bars in Summary and Analysis make it easy to track the themes through the Next, Lear calls upon each of his daughters to state The ceremony Lear has devised
work. Each color corresponds to one of the themes explained in the Themes section. For in- how much she loves him. First, Goneril insists that to make himself feel good also
stance, a bar of indicates that all five themes apply to that part of the summary. she loves her father “dearer than eyesight, space, reinforces the plays theme of the
connections between the “public”
and liberty” (1.1.61); Lear awards her one third of his authority of Lear as a king and
kingdom, accordingly. Then, Regan claims that she his “private” authority over his
loves her father even more than Goneril does; she is daughters as a father.
Act 1 Scene 1 an “enemy to all other joys” but his “dear Highness’
love” (1.1.80-4). Lear grants her a third, in turn.
Kent and Gloucester are in King Lear’s court, Gloucester’s words to Kent show
discussing Lear’s plan to give up his power and divide that he values his bond with his While her sisters speak, Cordelia grows nervous, Refusing to go along with Lear’s
it among his daughters. Gloucester introduces Kent to illegitimate son, despite the fact knowing that she would prefer to “love, and be silent” political theater, Cordelia stresses
that a “natural” (i.e. biological) the importance of her inward
his illegitimate son, Edmund, who is standing nearby. rather than a social or legal order (1.1.68) than to make such a public declaration of her
bond. Her answer, “nothing,” will
Gloucester says that, although Edmund is a “knave” connects them.This conversation love for her father. And, indeed, when her turn comes echo throughout the play. Here it
(1.1.21) born out of wedlock, Gloucester loves him looks ahead to the dismembering to speak, Cordelia can answer only “Nothing, my lord” anticipates the way in which the
no less than the other “son” he has “by order of law” of the British kingdom by Lear. (1.1.96). Lear presses her to give another answer, but dismembering of the kingdom
(1.1.19) (i.e., Edgar). she insists that she loves him “according to [her] will lead to ruin, chaos, and
bond, no more, no less” (1.1.102). annihilation.
Lear enters with Albany, Cornwall, Goneril, Ironically, Lear’s authority as king,
Regan, Cordelia, and their attendants. Having sent as the head of a political order,
Gloucester to fetch Cordelia’s suitors, the lords of enables him to make the decision
that will produce grave disorder.
France and Burgundy, Lear announces that he has By using the word “crawl” to de-
divided his kingdom into three parts. He intends scribe his progress toward death,
to “shake all cares and business from his age,/ Lear describes the aging human
Conferring them on younger strengths” so that he can without his former authority as
“unburdened crawl toward death” (1.1.41-2). an animal.
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Enraged by this refusal to play along, and vowing by Lear invokes the heavens as a As Gloucester grows enraged, Edmund pretends Like Lear, Gloucester sees the
“all the operation of the orbs” (1.1.124), Lear renounces symbol of order and justice for that he would like to urge moderation: he offers to heavens as both symbolizing
his “paternal care” of Cordelia forever (1.1.127). When the first of many times through- approach Edgar about the matter, while Gloucester, in and causing order or disorder in
out the play. Kent, meanwhile, human affairs. He is incredulous
Kent attempts to intercede on Cordelia’s behalf, Lear shows a personal devotion to hiding, can watch. Gloucester agrees, saying that he that Edgar could violate the
reiterates: “here I give/ her father’s heart from her” Lear that is so strong that he would give up everything he has to know whether or bonds of family. He thinks of
(1.1.141-2). He states that he will from now on alternate is willing to step outside of the not Edgar is actually so untrue to the “father that so these bonds not in Edmund’s
months living with his two other daughters, keeping usual political order (i.e., the rules tenderly and entirely loves him” (101-2). He adds that legal or economic terms of inheri-
only 100 knights on reserve to be his followers. When of the court) in order to try to he has recently observed disorder in the skies that tance (because such issues don’t
protext his king. More insightful affect him; he was a legitimate
Kent continues to counsel him against such a rash than Lear, Kent knows that divid- predicts all the chaos that has happened with Lear, son of his father). Instead, he
decision, Lear banishes him on pain of death: “out ing the kingdom is a bad idea; he Cordelia, Kent, and now him: “these late eclipses in sees the bonds almost as a kind
of my sight!” (1.1.179). Having consoled Cordelia, also sees Goneril and Regan for the sun and moon portend no good to us […] we have of rule of nature, embodying
and exhorted Goneril and Regan to live up to their the opportunists they are. seen the best of our time” (109-19). “tender” and complete emotional
declarations of love, Kent departs. love.

Gloucester returns with France and Burgundy. Lear Burgundy’s reaction to Lear’s After Gloucester has exited, Edmund mocks his Edmund and Edgar both dismiss
addresses Burgundy first, telling him that Cordelia declaration reflects that authority father’s belief in astrology: it is “excellent foppery,” their father’s faith in the heavens
has been disowned. Cordelia interrupts, begging and order, political and economic he says that when people suffer ill fortune, usually as being foolish and outdated
calculations, also govern marriage. (obliquely reflecting their age
her father to explain that she has not done anything because of their own dumb behavior, they then blame difference with their father, once
wrong: her only sin is to lack a “still-soliciting eye France, however, like Cordelia “the sun, the moon, and stars” (125-8). Seeing Edgar, again).
and such a tongue” (1.1.266) as her sisters. Burgundy herself, seems to have private, who has just then wandered in, Edmund briefly takes
asks, won’t Lear give the dowry he proposed? Lear purer motivations. up the subject with him. Edgar is surprised at his
replies that he will give “nothing” (1.1.283). Then, brother’s sudden interest in astronomy.
Burgundy apologizes, he cannot marry Cordelia.
France, however, says that the neglect of the gods Then Edmund cuts to the chase, asking Edgar if he Edmund, however, does continue
has only increased his love: he pronounces Cordelia knows how he has offended Gloucester, who, Edmund to create just the kind of familial
his wife and queen. Lear accepts and exits with his reports, is enraged at his legitimate son. Edgar reacts discord that Gloucester was
troubled to observe in Lear’s
attendants. with disbelief: “some villain hath done me wrong” court and which, Gloucester
(1.2.172). Replying that that’s precisely what he fears, predicted, were the result of the
Cordelia then takes leave of Goneril and Regan, saying Cruelly criticizing their father’s Edmund tells Edgar to go hide in Edmund’s rooms, recent eclipses.
she knows their faults, but hopes that they will live up senility, the sisters show their true and advises Edgar that if he leaves his hiding place
to the love they have declared. Cordelia and France colors for the first time, foreshad- to make sure to carry a weapon to protect himself.
owing all the abuses that they
leave. Left alone, Goneril observes that Lear’s old age will soon wreak on him due to his Edmund promises to bring Edgar more news soon.
is “full of changes” (334) and that he showed “poor age. Like Kent, they also describe Edgar rushes off.
judgment” (337) casting off Cordelia. Regan agrees what Lear has done as an error.
the “infirmity of his age” (339) is to blame for his error. But they, unlike Kent, plan to take Once Edmund is left alone, he observes to himself Edmund explains that he will
Goneril says that in these “infirm and choleric years” advantage of it, and show more that his father is trusting and Edgar is such a good exploit the blind faith that a
interest in power than in the parent has in his child and the
(345) they cannot permit their father to exercise any love they owe their father simply person that he would never suspect someone else
assumed trust between siblings in
real authority. because he is their father. of being anything other than good. Dealing with such order to outwit the typical legal
“foolish honesty” (1.2.189), Edmund says, will make it order (whereby the legitimate
easy for him to take, through cunning, the lands that child inherits everything).
Act 1 Scene 2 he did not inherit by birth.

Edmund stands alone on stage, criticizing the Edmund, criticizing official legal
injustice of the laws and customs that deprive him order as unjust, decides to follow Act 1 Scene 3
of all legal rights just because he was born out of a more brutal “win or lose”
natural order instead. At this
wedlock. Therefore, Edmund says, rather than law point, a modern reader might be At Goneril’s palace, where Lear has been spending his Goneril shows her lack of
he worships “Nature” (1.2.1). Then, holding up a letter sympathetic to Edmund: it’s not first month after giving up power, Goneril complains personal regard for her father:
he has forged, Edmund explains to the audience that his fault he was born out of wed- to her steward, Oswald, about how badly her father, she will use her new political
lock.The Edmund/Edgar sibling power to flaunt the usual order
he is plotting to steal the land of his half-brother, his Fool, and his knights have been behaving in her of authority in a parent-child
“legitimate Edgar” (1.2.17), by winning all his father, rivalry for paternal favor mirrors house. She instructs Oswald to tell Lear that she is
that between Lear’s daughters. relationship. Strikingly, Lear has
Gloucester’s, affection. sick and will not see him. She also instructs Oswald already become an agent of
and the servants to serve him only with “weary disorder, rather than the careful,
As Gloucester returns from Lear’s court, baffled by The word, “nothing,” repeated by negligence” (1.3.13), so that she has an opportunity to controlling stage-manager who
Cordelia and Lear throughout 1.1, planned the divestment ceremony
the events there, Edmund conspicuously hides the broach the subject with Lear. in 1.1.
letter in his pocket. When Gloucester asks what it continues its echo here. Quickly
falling for Edmund’s tricks to turn
is, Edmund replies “no news […] nothing” (1.2.31-3). him against his legitimate son, Goneril adds that if Lear does not like what she says, Goneril speaks about the old, and
Gloucester cheerfully demands to see it: “the quality Gloucester displays a shortsight- he can go to Regan. She knows that she and her how they should be subservient
of nothing hath not such need to hide itself […] if it be edness that matches Lear’s own sister are of the same mind on this subject and will to the young, in the same terms
misjudgment of his daughter’s. that Edmund cited in his forged
nothing, I shall not need spectacles” (1.2.35-7). not be overruled by an “idle old man” (1.3.17). “Old letter. For the time being, she
fools are babes again and must be used/ With checks show solidarity with her sister.
Feigning hesitation, Edmund hands over the letter, In his forged letter, Edmund uses as flatteries” (20-1), she concludes, resolving to write
explaining that Edgar sent it to him. Gloucester reads the kinds of criticisms of age that to her sister.
it aloud. The letter argues against the “aged tyranny” Goneril and Regan cited at the
end of 1.1—and which, indeed,
(1.2.53) that keeps sons enslaved to fathers past their motivated Lear to give up his own
prime. It goes on to hint that if Edmund will help Edgar power—to play on Gloucester’s Act 1 Scene 4
dispose of Gloucester, Edgar will grant the bastard own anxieties and turn him
half of his legitimate wealth. Edmund adds that Edgar against his other son. Kent returns in the disguise of Caius, a commoner, As in 1.1, Kent demonstrates his
has often said that, with “sons at perfect age and to offer his services to Lear. Lear accepts. He sends deep loyalty to Lear’s author-
fathers declined” (76-7), sons should take care of Kent to fetch his Fool. ity, which empowers him to go
outside of the usual order of
fathers as their wards. political business. Lear’s failure
to recognize Kent in his disguise
provides a dramatic metaphor for
his failure to see his daughters’
true colors.
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Seeing Oswald, Lear attempts to summon him, but Lear’s demand to have Oswald Act 2 Scene 1
Oswald ignores him. Irritated, Lear sends a Knight acknowledge who he is—that is,
to call Oswald back. The Knight returns with the the king (or former king)—draws At Gloucester’s court, Curran mentions to Edmund that Paralleling the exchange between
attention to the fact that sight Gloucester and Kent at the
message that Goneril is not well and that Oswald and recognition are part of there are rumors of imminent war between Cornwall
refuses to obey Lear—the Knight thinks that Lear and Albany. Curran also mentions that Cornwall and beginning of 1.1, Curan’s rumors
authority and order, insofar as of war indicate the coming
has been “wronged” (66). Lear sends the Knight to the leader and the subject must Regan will be arriving to stay at Gloucester’s castle that dissolution of the kingdom and
fetch his Fool. Both Knight and Lear observe that see and acknowledge each other very night. After Curan has exited, Edmund reflects that the breakdown of order. But for
since Cordelia’s departure for France the Fool has for what they are if the system this development – both the coming war and the arrival Edmund, who was born outside
is to function. Lear’s treatment the law and now seeks to create
been melancholy and sad. Oswald enters again. Lear in Goneril’s house violates both of Cornwall – will help him in his schemes if he acts
summons him and demands to know who he is. When boldly and is just a bit lucky. He calls to Edgar to come disorder everywhere, these devel-
the private respect she as a child opments are good news.
Oswald replies, “my lady’s father” (1.4.79), Lear grows owes her parent and the tradi- out of his hiding spot.
enraged, calling him a “dog,” “slave” and “cur” (81), tional order of official hospitality.
and hitting him. Kent joins in tripping Oswald. Edgar enters. Edmund pretends to be frightened Edmund dupes Edgar as easily
for Edgar’s safety. He tells Edgar that Gloucester as he has mislead Gloucester.
The Fool enters. He tells Lear to wear his (the Fool’s) Traditionally, the Fool had the has discovered his hiding spot, and that the Duke of Through his trickery he makes
unique privilege of stepping Edgar look guilty and himself
coxcomb (or fool’s hat). He continues to tease Lear, Cornwall is also rushing to the castle out of anger look like a hero, and turns on its
who finally asks whether the Fool is calling him a Fool. outside of, and even inverting, the with Edgar. He asks if Edgar has said anything publicly
order of the court by criticizing head the usual emotional bond
The Fool replies that indeed he is: “all thy other titles the King. Speaking in mad, against Cornwall? Edgar denies doing any such thing, between father and son as well
thou has given away. That thou wast born with” (152- riddling language, the Fool makes but just then they hear Gloucester approaching. as the usual legal bond between
4). The Fool continues to mock Lear, saying that Lear insightful comments about Lear’s Edmund apologizes, but says that to keep up good father and legitimate son.
is worth even less than he is: “I had rather be any kind diminished condition.The Fool’s relations with Gloucester he must pretend to be
of thing than a Fool. And yet I would not be thee […] I use of the word “nothing,” echo- fighting Edgar off. He tells Edgar to pretend to fight him
ing Lear, Cordelia, and Gloucester,
am a Fool. Thou art nothing” (189-99). stresses that Lear has destroyed as well. While shouting as if he and Edgar are fighting,
himself in the process of dividing he whispers to edgar that he should flee. Edgar does,
his kingdom. and exits. Once Edgar is gone, Edmund wounds
himself in the arm in order to make the fight seem
At this point, Goneril storms on stage, irritated. She Lear seems to think that he was more real and himself seem more heroic.
blows up at Lear, criticizing the Fool and all of Lear’s king by virtue of being himself,
knights for disturbing the peace in her house. Goneril rather than by virtue of his power, Gloucester enters. Seeing that Edgar has ‘escaped,’ Staging the entire encounter for
and that therefore he could the purpose of misleading Glouc-
scolds Lear, telling him he must return to his usual give up power but still demand he sends servants after him, then questions Edmund,
self. Lear, incredulous, jokingly demands whether who confirms that Edgar attempted to persuade him to ester, Edmund has provided yet
respect. Now he is discovering another instance of manipulating
anyone present recognizes him (i.e., as their former that in giving up power he has murder their father and, then, when Edmund opposed vision in order to produce blind-
king). “Who is it that can tell me who I am” (1.4.236) given up his former identity. Lear “his unnatural purpose” (2.1.59), attacked Edmund. ness. Entirely misreading his two
But Goneril cuts him off, demanding that he reduce curses Goneril using animal terms Enraged, Gloucester declares that, by the authority sons, Gloucester falls for it and
(“kite,” “serpent’s tooth,” “wolvish uses his authority to reverse the
the number of knights with him from 100 to 50. Lear visage”).The implication in of Cornwall, who is supposed to arrive that night, he
flies into a rage cursing her as a detested kite” (or bird will put a price on Edgar’s head. Gloucester further usual legal order, preferring the
Lear’s use of these insults is that illegitimate to the legitimate.
of prey; 1.4.274) and pleading the gods either make Goneril is an animal because, like declares that Edgar is no longer his son (“I never got
her infertile or to send her a “child of spleen” (296) an animal, she lacks the tender him” [2.1.90]), and that he will make the “loyal and
so that she herself can know “how sharper than the familial bonds of love that make natural” (2.1.98) Edmund heir to all his property.
humans unique.The fact that
serpent’s tooth it is/ to have a thankless child” (302- his curse focuses specifically on
3). Lear and his knights exit, preparing to depart for the idea that Goneril be without Just after Gloucester makes this declaration, Cornwall Yet, despite his definitive
Regan’s house. As they go, Lear tries, in vain, to stop children—or, like him, have only and Regan arrive. They have already heard rumors of declaration, Gloucester, like Lear
crying at the loss of his daughter: “Old fond eyes,/ thankless children—stresses how Edgar’s attempted murder of his father. Gloucester in 1.1 and 1.4, is clearly deeply
hurt and angered he is by his emotionally affected by losing his
Beweep this cause again, I’ll pluck you out” (317- confirms to them that his “old heart is cracked” emotional bond to his legal son—
daughters’ ingratitude.
8). Lear shouts that when Regan hears of Goneril’s (1.2.106). Cornwall praises Edmund for having “shown particularly given his old age.
unkindness she’ll “flay” Goneril’s “wolvish visage” [his] father/ a childlike office” (122-3) and takes him Cornwall, meanwhile, praises just
(325). He rushes out. into his service; Edmund gratefully accepts. the sort of parental respect that
neither he nor Regan are going to
show to Lear.
As Lear departs, Albany enters, tentatively criticizing Although Albany is bound to Gon-
the lack of hospitality that Goneril has shown to her eril through the laws and customs Despite how badly shaken and
father. Goneril cuts him off. She summons Oswald, of marriage, and his political Regan then explains to Gloucester why she and heartbroken he is by the loss
power depends on her, Albany’s of Edgar, Gloucester smoothly
double-checks that he has written a letter to Regan, clear vision of her cruelty to her Cornwall have come. They have been informed, via
fulfills his duty, performing his
as she instructed, and orders him to bring it to Regan father starts to drive him away letters from both her father and sister, of differences role as host. Although Goneril and
quickly. Then she turns back to her husband, telling from her.Their opposing view- between them. They hoped to seek Gloucester’s Regan have criticized Lear for
him that he is foolish to be so gentle. Albany remains points on the treatment of Lear, counsel as their “good old friend” [1.2.146] and his senility (1.1), here Regan at
dubious: “How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell./ among other things, will break thought, in any case, that it was best to handle the least suggests that she respects
their marriage by play’s end. Gloucester’s potential wisdom.
Striving to better, oft we mar what’s well” (368-9) matter while not at home. Gloucester welcomes them
and says he will be happy to advise.

Act 1 Scene 5
Act 2 Scene 2
Lear explains what happened with Goneril to Kent Kent continues to show exem-
(who is still disguised as Cauis), and then sends Kent plary loyalty to Lear (though he Outside Gloucester’s castle, Kent and Oswald run Continuing to demonstrate his
to deliver a letter to Regan. Assuring Lear that he will has to maintain the disguise of into each other, waiting for responses to the letters loyalty to Lear, insulting Oswald
Caius in order to do so). as an animal, Kent further shows
not sleep until he has delivered the message, Kent that they brought Regan (from Lear and Goneril,
how the discord brewing at the
speeds off. respectively). Kent picks a fight with Oswald, calling highest level of government car-
him a “son and heir of a mongrel bitch” (2.2.22) and ries down to the level of bickering
As he prepares to head for Regan’s castle himself, The Fool also continues with the reminding him who he is: two days ago, Kent says, he servants.
Lear is teased by his Fool, who predicts that Regan kinds of animal metaphors that tripped Oswald at Goneril’s castle.
will be as like Goneril as “a crab […] to a crab” (1.5.18). Lear introduced in his curse of
Goneril. Lear, meanwhile, having
Meanwhile, Lear begins to rave, fearing that he will go realizing that in giving up power Hearing the ruckus, Edmund, Cornwall, Regan, Echoing the abuse that Goneril
mad at the “monster ingratitude” (1.5.39) that Goneril he has lost his identity as king, Gloucester, and his servants, enter, and demand to and Regan used against Lear,
has shown him. As the Fool persists telling Lear “thou calls out to the even higher know what is going on. Oswald explains that Kent, an and which Edmund cited to
power of heaven to help him, as upset Gloucester, Oswald shows
wouldst make a good Fool” (1.5.38), Lear begs: “Sweet “ancient ruffian” (2.2.63), started the quarrel and that that old age can be a liability for
heaven!/ Keep me in temper. I would not be mad!” he fears that in losing his identity he has spared him only because of “his gray beard”
he may fall into the chaos of commoners or servants as well
(1.5.46). madness. (64). Continuing to abuse Oswald, Kent further insults as royals and aristocrats. Kent
Regan, Cornwall, and Gloucester by adding that he stresses that he is able to see
has “seen better faces in [his] time than [those] before through Cornwall and Regan to
the corruption in their hearts.
[him] at this instant” (97-9).
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Cornwall orders that Kent be put in the stocks until As Gloucester knows, Cornwall Lear begs Goneril not to drive him mad. She can As they bring down the numbers
noon, in order to learn some manners. Kent replies and Regan are breaking the wait; he will be patient and stay with Regan, with his of knights that Lear is allowed
that he is “too old to learn” (2.2.138). Regan lengthens rules of hospitality as well as hundred knights. Regan, however, interjects that he to keep, without concern for
the respect they should show to their own ingratitude or injustice
his sentence from noon until the following morning. Lear as a father and former kin should not make this assumption. Indeed, she thinks to their father, Regan and
Kent is shocked: he says, if he were Lear’s dog, Regan by punishing his messenger in it is unsafe for him to keep as many as fifty followers Goneril systematically reduce him
would be wrong to abuse him in this way. However, this way. in her household; she will allow him twenty-five. to “nothing” (as the Fool called
Cornwall and Regan are firm. Gloucester, too, is Responding that “wicked creatures yet do look well- him in 1.4), stripping him of his
perturbed and seeks to console Kent; but both know favored/ when others are more wicked” (294-5), Lear remaining power and authority
with shocking speed.
that Cornwall will not reverse his command. throws himself back on Goneril: now, however, she
says she does not understand why he needs twenty-
Left alone on stage, Kent takes out a letter, which, he Cordelia’s letter to Kent provides five, ten, or five in a household where she has so many
explains to the audience, is from Cordelia. “Nothing the first sign that there are servants that she will tell to serve him. In fact, Regan
almost sees miracles but misery” (180-1). The letter forces working to restore justice questions why he even needs one.
and order in England—and
says that Cordelia has been informed of the steps particularly that not all family-
Kent has taken, disguising himself, and will in time feeling between children and Lear responds with outrage, saying that what he While his speech descends into
return to remedy the trouble in Lear’s England. parents is lost. needs is not the point: “Allow not nature more than self-interruption and incoherence
nature needs,/ Man’s life is cheap as beasts” (307-8). (“I will do such things”) Lear
makes the strong point that a
Begging for divine justice and for the gods to bear life defined only by needs is no
Act 2 Scene 3 witness to how he has been wronged, he says he more than animal life. Calling
will have revenge on these “unnatural hags” (320): “I his daughters “unnatural hags”
In a soliloquy, Edgar explains that he escaped the Transforming his outward appear- will do such things--/ What they are yet I know not, he finally sees them as neither
“hunt” (2.3.3) sent after him by hiding in the hollow of ance into that of a nearly animal, but they shall be/ The terrors of the earth!) (323-5). human nor animal: they have
naked madman, Edgar seeks to violated the laws of love, duty,
a tree. Now that nowhere is safe for him he intends Once again, he insists that he will not weep, and fears and of nature itself.
escape the unjust (or blind and
to disguise himself in the “basest and most poorest misled) workings of the law. Like that he will go mad. He exits with Kent and his Fool.
shape/ that ever penury in contempt of man/ brought Lear (whom the Fool calls “noth- Gloucester follows them.
near to beast” (7-9) —that is, as a ‘Bedlam beggar,’ or ing” in 1.4), Edgar annihilates his
madman escaped from an asylum—and give up his own identity. However, Edgar does A storm is beginning, Cornwall encourages the group By effectively throwing Lear out of
own identity: “‘Edgar I nothing am” (21). so knowingly and purposefully, to come inside, but Regan points out that there is no the house into extreme, danger-
and in doing so is able to pretend ous natural conditions, Goneril
madness without actually going space for all of Lear’s followers in Gloucester’s house.
and Regan reduce him to the
mad, while Lear did so in error, Regan and Goneril agree that they will receive Lear animal state that he describes
and is therefore slipping into himself, but not one follower. Gloucester, returns, above (i.e., the state of need).
actual madness. reporting that Lear is in a high rage, raving around Doing this in Gloucester’s palace,
outdoors. Goneril says that they will not beg him to they effectively use their authority
stay, but Gloucester is worried about the storm— to violate the usual order of hos-
pitality. In response, Lear begins
Act 2 Scene 4 there is no shelter for miles. Pitiless, Regan says that to go fully mad.
Lear has earned whatever suffering he comes by
Lear, his Fool, a Gentleman, and his other followers Lear comes closer to the brink of and Cornwall urges Gloucestre to shut the doors of
arrive at Gloucester’s castle. Confused not to have madness upon seeing his mes- his castle.
found Regan at home, and not to have been informed senger abused by his own other
daughter—particularly as, in the
of her departure, Lear grows infuriated when he sees order of the court, such an act is
Kent in the stocks, demanding to know who put a direct insult to Lear himself. Act 3 Scene 1
him there. Kent explains that Regan and Cornwall
themselves are responsible. Lear storms off into the Kent, out looking for Lear, runs into a Gentleman. The The Gentleman’s language
palace to find them. While he is away, Kent asks why Gentleman describes seeing Lear out in the storm, reminds us that the mad Lear’s
Lear has so few attendants with him. The Fool mocks from which even fierce animals (“the cub drawn bear” daughters have driven him to the
animal state of being subject to
Kent for asking such a stupid question. [14] and “belly-pinched wolf” [15]) are hiding, with only nature’s forces.
the Fool to keep him company.
Lear returns with Gloucester, in disbelief, as Gloucester Regan’s initial refusal to see Lear
has explained to him that Cornwall and Regan have parallels Goneril’s coldness to Seeing that the Gentleman is on his side, Kent Kent is wise to the division and
been informed of Lear’s arrival but decline to see him. him in 1.4. Lear is shocked that confides in him that there is division between Albany disorder already mounting among
his child, bound to him not only the British. He hopes that the
Lear exclaims: “My breath and blood!” (116-7). As he by her legal inheritance but in and Cornwall, which is still a secret. And he asks the
invading French force can take
attempts to calm himself, Gloucester returns inside. her (animal) body of “breath Gentleman to go to Dover and report of the “unnatural advantage of this division in order
Finally, Gloucester persuades Cornwall and Regan to and blood” would insult him in and bemadding sorrow” (3.1.42) to which the King has to restore a more legitimate
come out with him. this way. been subjected. Although he does not reveal his real authority in the British kingdom.
identity, he gives the Gentleman his purse, containing He also alludes to the superior
Having freed Kent from the stocks, Cornwall and When Regan reveals herself as a ring, which he should show Cordelia who will be at insight and recognition that exists
having just as little regard for between Cordelia and himself
Regan receive Lear. Lear explains his grievances Dover. Kent says she will recognize it. with the ring in his purse.
against Goneril. However, Regan takes her sister’s both her father’s age and the
responsibilities following from the
side: “O sir, you are old.” (165). Insisting that he should “bond of childhood” as Goneril
be ruled by someone who “discerns [his] state” (168) exhibited in 1.4, the extent of Act 3 Scene 2
better than he can, Regan encourages Lear to return Lear’s misjudgment (and blind-
to Goneril’s house and ask for her forgiveness. Lear is ness) in 1.1 becomes increasingly Lear rages out in the storm, calling upon it to “crack No longer appealing to the divine
incredulous: what should he do, apologize for his age? clear. nature’s molds” and destroy everything “that makes or natural powers of the heavens
As Cornwall joins in reproaching Lear, Lear curses ingrateful man” (3.1.10-11), while the Fool urges him, to guarantee order, Lear calls
upon the storm to produce maxi-
Goneril—insisting, however, that he will never curse in vain, to find shelter. “Here I stand your slave/ A mum disorder, stripping the world
Regan in this manner because she knows better what poor, infirm, weak, and despised old man” (21-2), of unjust human authority and
the “offices of nature, bond of childhood” (202) are. Lear raves. When Kent arrives on the scene, directing pretenses and laying things bare
Lear to a hovel that he has found, Lear finally relents, as they are. He reveals himself in
Oswald appears, announcing Goneril’s arrival. Lear’s invoking of the heavens to remarking that “the art of our necessities is strange/ something like the animal terms
preserve his sanity explicitly op- of “unburdened crawl toward
Continuing to rave with displeasure at Kent’s having and can make vile things precious” (76-7). As they death” (1.1): “a poor, infirm, weak,
been put in the stocks, Lear asks the gods to take his poses the order of the stars and enter, the Fool predicts that they are at the beginning
the gods to the disorder taking and despised old man.”
side and to help preserve his sanity. When Goneril place on earth.When Lear fur- of an era in which the “realm of Albion” (i.e. England)
herself shows up, she defends her behavior; Regan ther states that he would rather will “come to great confusion” (98-9).
tells Lear to accept Goneril’s terms, dismissing half of revert to the state of an animal
his hundred men and return to Goneril. Lear says that without shelter (“comrade with
he would rather “abjure all roofs, and choose […] to the wolf and owl”) he suggests
that perhaps nature has more
be a comrade with the wolf and owl” (241-3). Goneril intrinsic justice than family bonds
says coldly that the decision is up to him. of law or affection.
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Act 3 Scene 3 Act 3 Scene 6

Back inside, Gloucester confides in Edmund that Blind to the potential risk (and Inside the house to which he has shown them, Kent Carrying out the imaginary
he does not like the “unnatural dealing” (3.3.2) that Edmund’s machinations), Glouces- thanks Gloucester, and then reports that Lear has trial—which is almost like a mad
Goneril and Regan have shown to their father. ter trusts completely in the wrong gone entirely mad. Gloucester exits as Lear, the Fool, parody of the ceremonial love-
son, highlighting the parallels test Lear put his daughters to in
Edmund agrees. Gloucester then tells Edmund that between his and Lear’s situations. and Edgar enter, raving together. Lear has Edgar and the first scene of the play—Lear
there is division between Albany and Cornwall and Gloucester anticipates that the Fool sit down, announcing that they are the jury shows how far he has descended
that he has received a letter with further information, Cordelia and her French army will for an imaginary trial of the “she-foxes” (24) Goneril into madness. Ironically, in this
too dangerous to be spoken, which will eventually destroy Goneril and Regan and and Regan, which he persists carrying out as Kent hallucinated parallel trial he has
bring Lear revenge. Gloucester asks Edmund to return justice and order. entreats him to rest and Edgar remarks that he is better insight into the nature of
the “she-foxes” (and what he now
distract Cornwall while he sneaks off to aid Lear. finding it difficult to restrain his tears. knows as their animal heartless-
ness) than he did in 1.1.
Once Gloucester has exited, Edmund informs the But Edmund reveals that his
audience that he will immediately report everything father’s trust in him is totally In the middle of the trial of Regan, Gloucester returns. Like Kent, Gloucester shows
that his father has told him to Cornwall, in the hopes misguided, and in doing so sug- Told once again by Kent that Lear’s “wits are gone” himself willing to risk himself
gests that the justice and order personally out of loyalty to Lear
that he himself will gain what his father loses: “the that Gloucester thinks Corelia (92), Gloucester tells Kent that he has overheard a
and what he perceives as right
younger rises when the old doth fall” (3.3.25). is going to bring back may not plot against Lear’s life. Gloucester then says he has political order (Lear in power,
really exist at all. arranged for Lear to be secretly transported to Dover allowed to maintain control) and
in a litter. He asks Kent to help him get Lear on the familial order (Lear not subject
litter. All exit except Edgar, who remains on stage. to cruelty by his daughters).
Act 3 Scene 4 Briefly stepping out of the character of Poor Tom, Although his father continues to
misrecognize him, Edgar’s mo-
Edgar expresses his deep pity for Lear, saying that he ment of pain explicitly draws out
Lear, Kent and the Fool arrive at the hovel. Lear still As his daughters’ violation of their feels so badly for Lear that he can hardly feel his own the similarities between the Lear/
insists that the “tempest in his mind” has taken “all duties to him, and the physically pain. Yet he also remarks on the similarity between Cordelia and Gloucester/Edgar
feeling” from his senses beyond his anger and sadness punishing experience of natural the two of them: “he childed as I fathered” (120). Then situations.
chaos in the form of the storm,
at his daughter’s ingratitude. As the Fool goes inside drive Lear to madness, his re- he exits as well.
the hovel, Lear pauses to reflect that he has spent duced (nearly animal) state gives
too little time thinking about his poor subjects who him a moment of insight into the
were regularly exposed to such hardships. If powerful lives of those less privileged— Act 3 Scene 7
people spent more time thinking about such matters, which he implies he lacked when
he was king.
he decides, they would be more generous with what Cornwall enters with Regan, Goneril, Edmund and Cornwall and Regan’s decision to
they have, making the heavens more just. servants. Handing Goneril the letter with news that turn on Gloucester, who is their
the army of France has landed, and telling her to send host, highlights the destruction
of custom and order in Britain.
The Fool darts back out, reporting that someone is in In Lear’s eyes, Edgar, a madnman it to her husband Albany, he sends servants to find Cornwall’s comment about
the hovel: a spirit named Poor Tom. Edgar emerges wearing just the barest rags for Gloucester. Then Cornwall tells Edmund to leave, how brutal his violence against
raving as if possessed by the “fiend,” or devil, in his clothes, offers a stark contrast as the revenge he plans to take on the traitorous Gloucester is a further expression
to his unjust daughters, dressed of lawlessness and chaos.
Bedlam beggar disguise. Lear comments over and in their furs and robes.This Gloucester is far too brutal for a son to behold.
over that Edgar could only have been brought to this semi-animal, semi-human figure Oswald arrives to report that, thanks to Gloucester,
lowly state by “unkind” or “pelican daughters” (3.4.77; emerges from the natural chaos Lear has been carried away to Dover.
81). Then he goes on to observe that Edgar would be of the storm, and exists outside
better off dead than exposing his “uncovered body” the usual social/legal order (re- Just then, Gloucester enters. Immediately Cornwall Once caught, and as helpless as
member, Edgar is fleeing justice: a show animal, Gloucester ac-
(109) to the storm and that he has reduced himself to the price his own father has put and Regan accuse him as a traitor. Regan even plucks
the state of an animal (as Edgar said was his plan in a hair from his “white beard.” Gloucester reproaches knowledges that he has acted out
upon his head). of an inward sense of justice—of
2.3): “unaccommodated man is no more than such a them, saying that they are breaking the laws of how both familial relations and
poor, bare, forked animal as thou art” (113-5). hospitality by turning on their host. As they keep political order should work. He
haranguing him, he gives up, noting that he, like a bear could not bear to watch what
Gloucester approaches with a torch. Failing to Gloucester’s failure to recognize in a bear-baiting show, is “tied to th’ stake” and “must was taking place. Plucking his
recognize the disguised and raving Edgar as his son, his own child, echoing Lear’s fail- stand the course” (67). Gloucester tells Regan that he white beard, Regan disrespects
ure to recognize his long-faithful his age (whereas in 2.1 she had
he leads Lear, Kent, Edgar, and the Fool to a house. helped Lear escape because he could not bear to see asked him for wise counsel).
servant Kent, provides a literal
emphasis to Lear’s metaphorical how she and Goneril treated him.
“blindness” to the true qualities
of his daughters. Cornwall interjects, saying that Gloucester never will Turning the language of vision
see such a thing. Cornwall ties Gloucester down and and blindness that has been
pulls out one of Gloucester’s eyes. He is preparing metaphorical up until this point
brutally literal, Cornwall will trans-
Act 3 Scene 5 to pull out the second eye when one of his servants form Gloucester, who failed to
interjects. The servant pleads that Cornwall to stop see his son’s true character, into
Cornwall enters with Edmund, carrying the letter Edmund’s handing over Glouc- this course of action. Cornwall, angered that the a walking symbol of blindness.
reporting news of the invasion from France (which ester as a traitor is an ultimate servant would dare to interrupt him, draws his Cornwall’s servant, however, still
Gloucester mentioned to Edmund in 3.3). Edmund violation of the father-child bond. sword. The two fight. Cornwall is seriously wounded. viscerally responds to an inward
sense of order and balks at this
waffles, feigning remorse at having betrayed his However, Regan takes a sword from a second servant injustice.
father. and stabs the first in the back, killing him. Cornwall
forces out Gloucester’s other eye, crying “out, vile
Granting Edmund the title of Earl of Gloucester, Cornwall suggests that just as jelly!” (101).
Cornwall then sends him to find his father and arrest he can take on the traditional
him. Edmund assents, although he continues to legal role of a father in granting Blinded, Gloucester calls out to Edmund for help: Ironically, only when he is literally
a political title that would usually blinded is Gloucester able to see
lament a ‘sore conflict’ (3.5.23) between his duty come from inheritance, he can “enkindle all sparks of nature/ to quit this horrid act”
and his blood. Cornwall reassures Edmund that he, (105-6). Regan informs Gloucester that Edmund hates the truth about his sons. His call
also replace a biological father of to the gods to let Edgar prosper
Cornwall, will be Edmund’s “dearer father” (26) from flesh and blood. Incidentally, as he him, that it was Edmund himself who betrayed his reflects his residual belief that the
here on. falls for Edmund’s performance father. Devastated, Gloucester realizes that he was heavens are capable of guarding
of hesitation about turning in misled regarding Edgar. He calls upon the gods to order and justice.
Gloucester, he misjudges Edmund
just as Gloucester and Edgar forgive him and to help Edgar prosper.
have before.
Wounded Cornwall and Regan leave Gloucester with Throwing Gloucester out of his
the second and third servants, instructing them to own house, Cornwall and Regan
throw him out of his house. The servants discuss not only violate the laws of hospi-
tality but continue the process of
among themselves how horrible they find Cornwall using their authority to disarrange
and Regan’s actions. Resolving to find “the Bedlam” the usual order of the kingdom.
(125), i.e. the disguised Edgar, to lead Gloucester to Yet the servants still understand
safety, they first fetch flax and egg whites to help stop what is right and just, and help
the bleeding from Gloucester’s face. their former lord.
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Act 4 Scene 1 Kent then explains that Lear is in the camp and is Like Gloucester in 4.1, Lear has
occasionally sane. However, he adds, Lear refuses to been moved by the extremity of
Edgar, disguised as Poor Tom, stands in the wind, Edgar’s realization, upon seeing see Cordelia out of shame at “his own unkindness” his situation to see his children
his blinded father, that it is for what they are. For him, as for
reflecting that it is best to be lowly, because for the (51) and at having given her “dear rights to his dog- Gloucester, insight required a kind
“lowest and most dejected thing of fortune” (4.1.3) impossible to know when you hearted daughters” (55). Kent asks the Gentleman to
are at the worst, because things of blindness—here the meta-
things can only get better. Then, he sees an Old Man can always get even worse, come with him to see Lear, explaining that he must phorical blindness of madness.
leading the blinded Gloucester, who keeps asking him suggest that there is no limit to remain in the strange disguise he has adopted for
to leave him to die: “I have no way and therefore want the potential of unjust power to some time yet.
no eyes./ I stumbled when I saw” (19-20). Gloucester produce destruction and suffering.
laments his misjudgment of Edgar and says how much Gloucester, meanwhile, in the face
of his own errors and the awful
he wants to meet his son once more: “Might I but live brutality of the world, has given Act 4 Scene 4
to see thee in my touch/ I’d say I had eyes again” (24- up on living except for a desire to
5). As the Old Man catches sight of Edgar, Edgar notes meet his true son once more. Cordelia, attended by the Gentleman from 4.3 and Clearly concerned for her
his foolishness for thinking of himself as ‘the lowest’ a Doctor sends out a search party of one hundred father, and prepared to give up
before: “O gods, who is’t who can say ‘I am at the soldiers for her father, who, she has heard, is raving anything to restore him, Cordelia
proves that she places utmost
worst’?/ I am worse than e’er I was” (27-8). “mad as the vexed sea” (4.4.2). She then promises the importance on her duties as a
doctor that whoever cures Lear can have everything child, setting them before wealth
The Old Man tells Gloucester that they had found Gloucester, when he first saw she owns. The doctor responds that, in order to be or political power.
Poor Tom. Gloucester notes that the previous night Poor Tom, thought him to be cured, the mad king needs rest.
he saw such a mad beggar who “made [him] think as low as a worm. But now
Gloucester realizes that all men
man a worm” (37). He has learned, he says, about are like worms in the eyes of the A messenger enters with news that the British are As the British army approaches,
human lowliness: “As flies to wanton boys are we to gods – mere playthings, to be marching on the French camp. Cordelia responds that the face-off between the self-
the gods;/ They kill us for their sport” (41-2). He still killed for fun. In the face of the she is aware, explaining that the whole purpose of interested children (Edmund,
terrible things he has done and Goneril, and Regan) and the self-
does not recognize that the “naked fellow” (46) is his France’s war on England is to avenge her father: “No less Cordelia comes to a head.
son. Sending the Old Man who was leading him back seen, Gloucester despairs and blown ambition doeth our arms incite,/ But love, dear
wants only to cease to exist.
to fetch some clothing for “Poor Tom” (who is naked), love, and our aged father’s right” (30-1).
Gloucester offers Poor Tom all the money in his purse
to take him to the cliffs at Dover (where he intends to
commit suicide). Act 4 Scene 5
Back at Gloucester’s former palace, widowed Regan Presumably, Regan desires
Act 4 Scene 2 questions Oswald about Goneril and Edmund. She Edmund both as a sex-object
pauses to explain that Edmund himself has gone to and as a protector of her political
power, now that she is a widow.
Having traveled from Gloucester ’s—now Goneril, who has spurned the ties kill Gloucester—whose pitiful appearance, blinded Her persistent selfishness, which
Edmund’s—castle, Goneril and Edmund arrive at of duty between parent and child and wandering, is turning the people against the led her to abuse her father, will
Goneril’s palace. Oswald emerges, reporting that (and, indeed, sibling and sibling, British—and to also assess the power of the French now erode her bond with her
allowing Cordelia to be taken sister, with whom she has been
Albany is “changed” (2.1.4) and that everything that away) now proceeds to disrespect army. Then, she resumes pestering Oswald, asking
should upset him pleases him. Goneril, irritated, tells him to open the letter that he is carrying from Goneril united up to this point.
and violate the bonds of love
Edmund that he should not meet Albany at this time. and duty connecting husband to Edmund and let her read it. Oswald refuses, but
She gives Edmund a sign of her favor and kisses him. and wife. Regan insists that he take the following news to
Edmund exits, swearing that he will remain faithful to Goneril: Cornwall is dead, Edmund and Regan have
her until death. After he has gone, she laments that spoken and concluded that it is more convenient for
her “fool” (i.e. her husband) “usurps [her] body” (35). him to marry Regan than her sister.

Albany enters and denounces Goneril (and Regan) in As Lear was forced to come to Regan concludes by saying that she will show favor Regan’s command to kill
scathing terms for their mistreatment of their father: terms with his daughters’ cruelty, to whoever kills “that blind traitor” (41), Gloucester.. Gloucester reveals her real
“Tigers, not daughters, what have you performed?” now Albany fully recognizes that Oswald responds that if he runs into him en route to brutality. Oswald shows the blind
of his wife. Like Lear (and Kent willingness to obey in order to
(49). Although Goneril tries to shut him up by calling to Oswald), he describes her Goneril, he will kill Gloucester. Then Oswald rushes ingratiate himself with powerful
him a coward, he persists, calling her a devil, and and Regan’s misdeeds in animal off. people, exactly the trait for which
says that if Goneril were not a woman he would tear terms. Kent mocked him in 2.1.
her to pieces.

However, a servant interrupts them, bursting in with Albany, like Lear, still obviously Act 4 Scene 6
news of Gloucester’s blinding and that Cornwall sets some stock in divine justice
has died of the wound he received from his servant. and natural order. Goneril, how- Edgar, now dressed as a peasant, pretends to lead Showing exemplary dutifulness
ever, is absorbed only with her to his father, Edgar encourages
Albany, who had not known of Gloucester’s blinding, own selfish and lustful concerns: Gloucester up a steep cliff, while in fact they are
cries out that Cornwall’s death is proof that the gods going over flat ground. At the “summit” Edgar gives him to believe one further illusion,
her sexual desire for Edmund. which, however, should cure him
exist: “this shows you are above,/ you justicers” (95- a long speech on “how fearful and dizzy it is to of his woes. On stage, Edgar’s
6). Goneril, however, is worried that the widowed cast one’s eyes” (17) over the edge. Taking his bait, description of the huge hill where
Regan will now seduce Edmund from her. She hurries Gloucester asks to be led to the cliff and, giving Edgar there is none sounds, however,
off to answer the messenger’s letter. a purse with a valuable jewel in it, asks him to go almost as deluded as Lear’s mad
away. Edgar does so, and says to himself that he is ravings.
Left alone with the Messenger, Albany asks whether Like Kent and Gloucester before only playing with Gloucester’s despair in this way only
Edmund is with Gloucester. The Messenger explains him, Albany is now willing to risk in order to cure it.
that it was Edmund who informed against him. Albany himself, making his purpose ven-
geance and the restoration of a
vows that he will thank Gloucester for his love toward just political authority and order.
Lear and will revenge his lost eyes. He summons the
Messenger to give him more information.

Act 4 Scene 3
In the French war camp, Kent asks a Gentleman Kent, like Albany in 4.2, still has
about Cordelia’s reaction to the letter that he sent faith in the power of the heavens.
in 3.1. The Gentleman reports that she was moved to However, he uses it to explain the
(otherwise inexplicable) differ-
deep pity for her father and rage against her sisters. ences between Cordelia and her
Kent states that “the stars above us govern our siblings, not to guarantee order.
conditions” (39), because there could be no other
explanation for how siblings could be so different
from each other.
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Standing at the “edge” of the nonexistent cliff, Even though he has suffered so At the doctor’s urging and with music, Lear wakes up, Upon first waking up, unsure of
Gloucester address the “mighty gods”: he is renouncing much, Gloucester still believes at first unsure whether he is alive or dead. Cordelia his state, Lear is reluctant to trust
the world “in [their] sights” and that if he could bear that a divine order exists. Speak- asks him to look at her and give her his benediction. the senses, which have so misled
ing of the world in the gods’ him—both when he misjudged
their “great opposeless wills” any longer, he would “sights,” he further describes He fears he is “not in [his] perfect mind” (72) but his children and in his madness.
live out his life (44-8). However, since he cannot, he them as spectators who have believes that the woman in front of him is Cordelia. The reunion between Lear and
asks them to bless Edgar. Then he “leaps”—falling the ultimate insight into human She assures him that she is and that he is in his own Cordelia joyfully restores the fam-
to the ground in a faint. Edgar now pretends to be a affairs.When Edgar approaches kingdom. Cordelia asks him to take a walk with her. ily bond trampled on everywhere
new person who saw Gloucester leapfrom the “cliff,” him after the “fall,” he, too, Begging her to “forget and forgive,” because he is “old else in the play up to this point.
describes the gods as looking out
and approaches Gloucester. Although Gloucester for humans. and foolish” (99), he accepts. They exit.
asks to be left alone, Edgar refuses: he keeps telling
Gloucester that it is a miracle that he has survived Kent remains on stage with a Gentleman. They discuss The Gentleman’s failure to
his fall and persuades Gloucester that the creature the state of the battle: Edmund is leading the British recognize Kent, however, reminds
that led him to the edge of the cliff was in fact the force. The Gentleman states that there is a rumor the audience that many of
the misrecognitions and blind-
devil. “The clearest gods,” Edgar tells his father, “have that Kent himself is with Edgar in Germany. After he nesses of the play have yet to be
preserved thee” (90-1). has departed, Kent remarks that the outcome of his resolved as the conflict comes
ruse, disguising himself, will depend on how the day’s to a head
Lear enters, raving and mad. Edgar cannot help Raving mad, Lear fulfills his own battle is fought.
but exclaim in grief at his appearance: “O, thou worries before the storm and
side-piercing sight!” (104). Hearing Lear, Gloucester the prophecy of the Fool in 1.4
that he would become like a Fool
recognizes his voice and calls out to him, asking to playing word games. Edgar sees Act 5 Scene 1
kiss the king’s hand. Lear, however, continues raving. Lear’s madness as a symbol of
Cordelia’s gentleman and a group of attendants the current dissolution of Britain. Edmund, leading the British forces with Regan, Goneril’s obsessive jealousy of
enter. Spotting Lear, they entreat him to come to The imminent battle indicates sends a messenger to Albany to confirm that Albany Edmund, and Regan’s suspicion
Cordelia, but he flees. As Cordelia’s men pursue Lear, that that dissolution, in one form will send his forces to join theirs. Regan, meanwhile, of Goneril, show the accelerating
or another, is about to come to decay of their relationship and al-
Edgar asks one of the Gentleman for an update. He a head. pesters Edmund about whether or not he has ever liance. Albany, meanwhile, stresses
reports that the battle between the British forces of slept with Goneril. Edmund tells Regan not to fear, that he is only temporarily
Edmund, Goneril, and Regan and the French force just as Albany and Goneril approach. Goneril remarks suspending his principles voiced
led by Cordelia is imminent. to herself that she would rather lose the battle to in 4.2 for the sake of maintain-
the French than have Regan come between her and ing the integrity of the British
kingdoms. (He has not changed
Gloucester begs the “ever-gentle gods” (241) Right after Gloucester has evoked Edmand. Although Albany stresses that he is joining in his disapproval of the ‘tiger
for forgiveness for his attempted suicide. Edgar the gods as spectators and them against their common enemy of the French, not daughters.’)
approaches him. As he takes Gloucester’s hand, protectors, Edgar is brave enough because he approves of their treatment of Lear and
to stand up and defend his
however, Oswald appears. Rejoicing to have spotted father, despite his father’s former Gloucester, he and Goneril join Edmund and Regan.
the “eyeless head” (254) of Gloucester—who Regan misjudgment and mistreatment Edmund says he will join Albany shortly at his tent.
bid him to kill in 4.5—he draws his sword. Edgar of him. In his selflessness, Edgar’s Regan forces Goneril to walk off with her.
intercedes, still in the persona of a peasant. Puzzled actions parallel Cordelia’s.The
that a peasant would risk himself for a traitor, Oswald self-interested and ambitious As the others depart, Edgar, still in disguise as a By delivering the letter to Albany,
Oswald, failing to recognize Edgar, Edgar will grant Albany full insight
orders Edgar to stand down. They fight; Edgar kills is puzzled by his gesture of self- beggar, approaches Albany. Edgar gives Albany the
Oswald. As he dies, he asks Edgar to take the money letter from Goneril to Edmund that he intercepted into his wife’s character—and
less devotion. how her treachery will violate
in his purse and bury him, and take the letters therein from Oswald, and tells Albany to read it before the their marriage as well as her fa-
and deliver them to Edmund, Earl of Gloucester. battle. Then, Edgar says, if the British side wins, milial bonds. Edgar, meanwhile, is
Albany must have a herald sound a trumpet and laying in place the plan to avenge
Edgar opens Oswald’s purse and reads the letter The coincidental confrontation Edgar will appear again. Edgar exits. Just as Albany himself on his brother.
in it—which is from Goneril to Edmund, attempting with Oswald gives Edgar insight is starting to read, Edmund appears and hands him
to persuade him to murder Albany and marry her. into all the machinations taking a report describing the strength of the French army.
place between Lear’s children,
Shocked, Edgar resolves to head off and find the as their personal allegiances fall Albany takes it and exits, hurriedly.
“murderous lechers” (304) Edmund and Goneril, and apart in the political chaos they
eventually to reveal all to Albany. He approaches have created. But, meanwhile, Alone on stage, Edmund explains that he has sworn Edmund’s deceit of the two
Gloucester, who has been privately grieving to Edgar has now revealed himself his love to both Goneril and Regan and muses about sisters reveals that they, too, are
himself, and, calling him “father,” takes his hand and to his father, restoring that family which it would be more convenient for him to marry. capable of misjudging. Edmund’s
bond. malicious opportunism has an al-
leads him away. Resolving to leave that problem for the time being, most unlimited depth, even when
he further reveals that, if the British are victorious, compared to such treacherous
although Albany wishes to spare Lear and Cordelia, people as Goneril and Regan.
Act 4 Scene 7 he never will.

Back in the French camp, Cordelia thanks Kent for Cordelia shows decency, and the
all the service that he has shown her father and asks faith in the gods, exhibited pri- Act 5 Scene 2
him to take off his peasant’s clothing. However, Kent marily by older characters in the
play, such as Lear and Gloucester.
insists, he must remain in disguise for a short while Like Lear, too, she marvels at the Edgar leads Gloucester to the shade of a tree, so Edgar shows care and tenderness
longer. Cordelia then asks the Doctor how her father unkindness of her sisters using an that he can rest there during the battle. Then Edgar for his father to the last. Mean-
is doing. The Doctor replies that he is asleep. Cordelia animal comparison (she would leaves his father, assuring that if he ever returns while, Shakespeare sets the main
have been kinder to her enemy’s action of the battle offstage—
prays: “O, you kind gods,/ Cure this great breach in again, he will bring him comfort. He exits. After the solving a dramatic problem (how
his abused nature” (16-7). The Doctor says that they dog than they were to their own sound of an alarm signaling a retreat, Edgar appears
father).That she would be kind to show a whole army on stage)
will wake him up. Two servants enter, carrying Lear to an enemy’s dog reflects her onstage again. He reports that the French forces have but also maintaining focus on
on a chair. The Doctor cues for music to be played. innate and a-political sense of lost and Lear and Cordelia have been taken prisoner. what is most important in the
Cordelia kisses her father while commenting on her decency and justice. Gloucester says that he would like to die and rot on play—not war, but rather familial
relationships.
astonishment at her sisters’ cruelty in throwing Lear the spot, but Edgar insists on leading him along.
out into the storm: “Mine enemy’s dog,/ Though he
had bit me, should have stood that night/ Against my
fire” (42-4).
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Act 5 Scene 3 As Edgar is wrapping up his story, a Gentleman However, before order can be
runs in, crying for help, with a bloody knife. He restored, the destruction and
Edmund orders that the captured Lear and Cordelia Reunited with Cordelia, Lear exclaims that he has just taken it from the heart of annihilation that has been unfold-
seems to see prison as offering ing ever since Cordelia’s first
be taken away to prison. Cordelia, speaking with Lear, Goneril—who, after confessing to having poisoned speaking “nothing” has more to
wonders if they should ask to see Goneril and Regan. the same kind of opportunity Regan, committed suicide. Edmund confesses that
that he thought he would get by wreck in its path.With Edmund’s
But Lear, delighted to be with Cordelia again, says giving up power: an escape from he had pledged to wed both, and that now all three confession that he pledged him-
no. He says that they will enjoy prison, where they political responsibility that will will be united in death. Albany orders the Gentleman self to both Goneril and Regan,
can laugh and sing and tell old stories and mock the let him stand outside the usual to bring in the bodies. As he speeds off to do so, the audience and the other char-
rules of the court and be amused acters see what poisoned their
courtiers and their petty political gossip. He says that Kent arrives asking to see Lear. Reminded, Albany allegiance as sisters. Edmund also
in prison they will live longer than “hordes” of rulers by it.Yet Lear’s idea is based on asks Edmund where Lear and Cordelia can be found.
an assumption that, as tradition reveals the danger that Lear and
who will come and go on the whims of fortune. They and custom dictates, Edmund will Edmund, saying he would like to do some good before Cordelia have been in, all while
exit. As they go, Edmund calls back a Captain, one treat his prisoners well until they he dies, orders them to send someone quickly to the Albany and others believed them
of the soldiers accompanying them and hands him a can stand trial. But Edmund cares king and his daughter—for he has written instructions to be under the protection of law,
only about power, not tradition, awaiting judgment…
letter, instructing him that if he kills Lear and Cordelia for his Captain to kill them (earlier in 5.3). Edmund
he will gain “noble fortunes” (35). The Captain says and he plays off the greed and gives the messenger-soldier his sword, as a sign of
ambition of others, such as the
that he will do it. Captain, to corrupt them too. the authenticity of the message. He explains that he
instructed his soldier to hang her, and make it look like
Albany, Goneril, Regan and other soldiers enter to Albany attempts to stand up and suicide, as Albany orders that he be carried off.
the sound of a flourish from a trumpet. Albany asks preserve the just order of law,
to have Lear and Cordelia brought to him so that they which Edmund has just violated At this moment, Lear enters with Cordelia’s body in Lear is so devastated to be con-
in his instructions to the Captain fronted with the loss of his one
can be protected until they can be judged. Edmund to kill Cordelia and Lear illegally. his arms, crying: “Howl, howl, howl […] she’s gone
explains that he has already sent them off. Albany forever” (309-11). Although, he explains, half-mad, he loyal child—a loss that ultimately
Meanwhile, personal conflict resulted from his own misjudging
reminds Edmund that he does not think of him as a between Regan and Goneril killed the man who hanged her, he did so too late to her at the beginning of the
brother, yet, but merely as an ally in the war. Regan pushes all onstage further toward save her. Then, seeing Kent, he asks, confused, who play—that he can hardly process
interjects that she will give him herself and her disorder and destruction. Regan, he is, noting that his “eyes are not o’ th’ best” (337). the fact that his entire family has
boldly trying to seize Edmund now been annihilated. His confu-
property—all he requires to become Albany’s brother. from Goneril, completely abro- Kent identifies himself and explains that he has been
Goneril interjects that Regan should not get ahead of serving Lear, in disguise as his servant Caius, all this sion upon seeing Kent revealed,
gates their former sisterly bond. like his confusion upon waking up
herself, and the two descend into squabbling, which time. Kent also reports to Lear that his two other and being reunited with Cordelia
Regan cuts off only because she feels sick to her daughters have committed suicide, but Lear does not in 4.7, reminds the audience that
stomach. In brief, she tells Edmund that he can take seem to understand. Albany quiet Kent, pointing out he is half-mad.
her soldiers, prisoners, and inheritance; she here that it is no use to attempt to explain such things to
makes him her “lord and master” (92). Lear now.

Albany cuts all off when he announces that he is While Albany is setting the stage A messenger enters, reporting that Edmund is dead. Albany proves that he is truly
placing Edmund, as well as Regan, under arrest for Edgar’s revenge on Edmund, Albany brushes off this “trifle” (359), then declares just and dutiful toward his father
for capital treason. Albany calls for his men to let he is also living up to his vow in that, for the duration of Lear’s life, they will return in law, insofar as he is willing to
4.2 that he would avenge Lear’s return power to him. However,
the trumpet sound and throws down his glove: if suffering and Gloucester’s lost absolute power to him and all will be rewarded the destruction has clearly gone
no one appears to fight with Edmund, in order to eyes. His gesture, undertaken out or revenged upon, according to their behavior. too far for such a restoration of
avenge his treasons, Albany vows that he himself of a sense of desire to guarantee Lear, however, descends into raving with grief over the order of pre-divided Britain.
will do so. As this is going on, off to one side, Regan just order by his authority, takes Cordelia: “Why should a dog, a horse, a rat have life,/ Lear’s irrational raving about
grows increasingly sick. Goneril remarks to herself place just as the subplot between And thou no breath at all?” he asks. “Thou’lt come no animals suggests a crazed sense
Goneril and Regan comes to a of injustice; his full line of ‘nevers’
that Regan had better be sick—Goneril herself has head, breaking their sisterly bond more,/ Never, never, never, never never” (370-2). He suggests that he cannot see
poisoned her out of jealousy over Edmund. Denying forever. faints with grief; as he does, Kent prays that Lear’s meaning in anything anymore,
that he is a traitor, Edmund accepts the challenge, heart break, finally releasing him. Lear dies. and he seems to embrace death
throwing down his glove, as Regan is helped to exit. as an escape.

A herald reads a declaration calling for any man who Edgar initially obscures his Albany orders that the corpses on stage be carried Albany seeks to restore order to
would like to declare that Edmund is a traitor to come identity because he feels le lost away, so that all can begin their general mourning. He the kingdom by having Kent and
forth. He sounds the trumpet three times. On the it, when he was disinherited by then tells Kent and Edgar that they will rule over and Edgar, the only two characters
his father and forced to take remaining to have acted nobly
third sounding, Edgar enters, armed (with his face on the vagrant character of rebuild Britain. Kent, however, says that he, too, must through the play, take leadership
covered). He refuses to identify himself: he has lost Poor Tom.With Edgar’s rightful soon commit suicide in order to rejoin his master. of Britain. Kent’s sense of duty
his name, he says, because of treason. Yet, he says, revenge on Edmund, the tides Edgar announces that they all must learn the lessons remains so strong, however, that
he is noble and will fight to prove Edmund a traitor. start to turn from the lowpoint of these sad times, “to speak what we feel, not what he cannot live without Lear, his
Edmund accepts. They fight. Edmund is wounded. (where Cordelia and the French we ought to say.” He concludes: “The oldest have master.Yet that does leave Edgar,
lost their battle) back toward who’s inheritance was almost sto-
When Edmund falls, Goneril becomes hysterical, a restoration of just order in borne most. We that are young shall never see so len from him by Edmund, to now
cursing Edmund because he was not obligated by the England. It is ironic that Edmund much nor live so long” (393-4). rule over Britain. And Edgar, in
laws of war to accept a challenge from an unknown is killed because he himself is taking power, pronounces an end
assailant. Albany cuts her off, brandishing the letter deceived by a disguise, and does to disguise or subterfuge in saying
that she wrote to Edmund, plotting against his life. not recognize his brother Edgar that all should speak what they
as his challenger. feel and not what they think they
Goneril shuts him up, reminding him that political should say, while also restoring a
power is hers, not his. She exits. Noting that she sense of order through his rever-
seems hysterical, Albany sends a soldier after her. ence for the older generation that
was so abused by the younger,
Encouraging the fallen Edmund to “exchange Edgar, after revealing himself and and which has now passed away.
charity” (200) with him, Edgar then identifies himself, ending the deception of his dis-
concluding that “the gods are just, and of our pleasant guise, invokes the gods to explain
that all the suffering that has
vices/ Make instruments to plague us” (204-5), happened is part of a just order
observing that Gloucester was punished for his that has now restored him to his
adultery with Edmund’s mother by the loss of his rightful place. Edgar’s revelation
eyes. Edmund agrees: “the wheel is come full circle” of Kent’s identity furthers the
(209). Edgar then explains everything that happened. process of unveilings that need to
take place before all characters
He finishes by describing how he revealed himself to gain insight into everything that
his father only right before leaving to fight Edmund. the audience (or the gods as
Gloucester, unable to bear his mixture of joy and grief, divine spectators) have seen.
died on the spot. Edgar adds that Kent came upon
them, as Gloucester was dying, and revealed himself
as having served Lear in disguise, all this time.
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Important Quotes
Act 1 Quotes Act 3 Quotes “Why I do trifle thus with his despair
“Although the last, not least.” – Lear, 1.1.92 “Blow winds, and crack your cheeks! Rage, blow!” – Lear, Is done to cure it.” – Edgar, 4.6.342-3
3.2.1
“Nothing will come of nothing.” – Lear, 1.1.99 “Alack, I have no eyes.” – Gloucester, 4.6.74
“Here’s a night pities neither wise men nor fools.” – Fool,
“Mend your speech a little, 3.2.14-5 “O, thou side-piercing sight!” – Edgar, 4.6.104
Lest it may mar your fortunes.” – Lear, 1.1.103-4
“I am a man “Nature’s above art in that respect.” – Lear, 4.6.105
“I want that glib and oily art More sinned against than sinning.” – Lear, 3.2.62-3
To speak and purpose not.” – Cordelia, 1.1.258-9 “Gloucester: Oh let me kiss that hand!
“My wits begin to turn.” – Lear, 3.2.73 Lear: Let me wipe it first; it smells of mortality.” – 4.6.147-8
“Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides.” – Cordelia,
1.1.325 “The art of our necessities is strange “O ruined piece of nature! This great world
And can make vile things precious.” – Lear, 3.2.76-7 Shall so wear out to naught.” – Gloucester, 4.6.149-50
“Yet he hath ever but slenderly known himself.” – Regan,
1.1.339-40 “The younger rises when the old doth fall.” – Edmund, 3.3.25 “A man may see how this world goes with no eyes.” – Lear,
4.6.165-6
“Thou, Nature, art my goddess.” – Edmund, 1.2.1 “Poor naked wretches, wheresoe’er you are,
That bide the pelting of this pitiless storm, “I am a very foolish, fond old man.” – Lear, 4.7.69
“Now, gods, stand up for bastards!” – Edmund, 1.2.21 How shall your houseless heads and unfed sides,
Your looped and windowed raggedness defend you “You must bear with me.
“These late eclipses in the sun and moon portend no good to From seasons such as these? O I have taken Pray you now, forget and forgive.” – Lear, 4.7.97-8
us.” – Gloucester. 1.2.109-10 Too little care of this.” – Lear, 3.4.32-7

“As if we were villains on necessity; fools by heavenly com- “Is man no more than this? […] Thou art the thing itself; unac- Act 5 Quotes
pulsion.” – Edmund, 1.2.128-9 commodated man is no more but such a poor, bare, forked “No, no, no, no. Come, let’s away to prison.
animal as thou art.” – Lear, 3.4.09-15 We two alone will sing like birds in the cage.” – Lear, 5.3. 9-10
“Old fools are babes again.” – Goneril, 1.3.20
“I am almost mad myself “Know my name is lost,
“Thou hast pared thy wit o’ both sides and left nothing in the […] By treason’s tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit.” – Edgar,
middle.” – Fool, 1.4.191-2 The grief hath crazed my wits.” – Gloucester, 3.4.177-80 5.3.145-6

“How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is “Child Rowland to the dark tower came “Howl, howl, howl! O, you arem en of stones!
To have a thankless child.” – Lear, 1.4.302-3 His word was still ‘Fie, foh, and fum, Had I your tongues and eyes, I’d use them so
I smell the blood of a British man.” – Edgar, 3.4.195-7 That heaven’s vault should crack. She’s gone forever.” – Lear,
5.3.308-10
Act 2 Quotes “Thou shalt find a dearer father in my love.” – Cornwall,
“My old heart is cracked; it’s cracked.” – Gloucester, 2.1.106 3.5.25-6 “Is this the promised end?” – Kent, 5.3.316

“Nothing almost sees miracles “All the power of his wits have given way to his impatience.” “No, no, no life?
But misery.” – Kent, 2.2.180-1 – Kent, 3.6.4-5 Why should a dog, a horse, a rat have life,
And thou no breath at all? Thou’lt come no more,
“I will preserve myself, and am bethought “Pluck out his eyes.” – Goneril, 3.7.6 Never, never, never, never, never.” – Lear, 5.3.369-72
To take the basest and most poorest shape
That ever penury in contempt of man “Upon these eyes of thine I’ll set my foot.” – Cornwall, 3.7.81 “Vex not his ghost. O, let him pass! He hates him
Brought near to beast.” – Edgar, 2.3.6-9 That would upon the rack of this tough world
“Out, vile jelly!” – Cornwall, 3.7.101 Stretch him out longer.” – Kent, 5.3.380-2
“ ‘Edgar’ I nothing am.” – Edgar, 2.3.21
“The oldest hath borne most; we that are young
“O sir, you are old. Act 4 Quotes Shall never see so much nor live so long.” – Albany, 5.3.394-5
Nature I you stands on the very verge “The worst is not
Of his confine.” – Regan, 2.4.165-7 So long as we can say ‘This is the worst.’” – Edgar, 4.1.30-1

“O heavens “The nature which contemns its origin

If you do love old men, if your sweet sway Cannot be bordered certain in itself.” – Albany, 4.2.41-2
Allow obedience, if you yourselves are old,
Make it your cause. Send down and take my part.” – Lear, “Patience and sorrow strove
2.4.218-21 Who should express her goodliest.” – Gentleman (of Cordelia),
4.3.19-20
“O, reason not the need! Our basest beggars
Are in the poorest thing superfluous. “It is the stars.
Allow not nature more than nature needs, The stars above us govern our conditions.” – Kent, 38-9
Man’s life is cheap as beast’s.” – Lear, 2.4.305-8
“How fearful
“Let not women’s weapons, water drops, And dizzy tis to cast one’s eyes so low!
Stain my man’s cheeks. […]
[…] I’ll look no more
You think I’ll weep. Lest my brain turn and the deficient sight
No, I’ll not weep.” – Lear, 2.4.319-25 Topple down headlong.” – Edgar, 4.6.16-29