He is envious of Edgar, the legitimate son, and wishes to gain what he has by forging a treasonous letter concerning Gloucester from Edgar. The scene centers around Edmund, at first alone on stage, crying out against his position as bastard to the material world. Goneril and Regan conspire to take rule away from Lear quickly as he is becoming more unreasonable.
Cordelia is not unhappy to leave her sisters and leaves with France. Burgundy cannot accept her under the circumstances, but France finds her more appealing and takes her as his wife. Lear apprises them of Cordelia's new state of non-inheritance. Kent cries that honesty will continue to be his guide in any kingdom.Ĭordelia's suitors enter. Kent intercedes on her behalf but he too is estranged by Lear. After giving her a few chances, he strips Cordelia of any title or relation. She loves only as much as her obligation entitles and will save some of her love for a husband. However, she responds to her father's request by saying she has nothing to add. Cordelia, as the youngest and most liked daughter, is saved the choicest piece of land. Lear gives each their parcel, wishing them well. Regan adds that she is enemy to other joys. As oldest, Goneril speaks first, expressing her love as all encompassing. Lear decides to ask each of his daughters to express how much they love him before he hands over their piece of the kingdom.
He then begins to discuss the partitioning of Britain he has devised to each of his three daughters and their husbands. Lear enters and sends Gloucester to find France and Burgundy, Cordelia's suitors. Gloucester mentions that Edmund has been nine years in military service and will return shortly. Gloucester nonchalantly admits that the boy's breeding has been his charge ever since impregnating another woman soon after his legitimate son, Edgar, was born.
Kent is introduced to Gloucester's illegitimate son, Edmund. Gloucester and Kent, loyal to King Lear, objectively discuss his division of the kingdom (as Lear is preparing to step down) and to which dukes, Cornwall and Albany, they believe it will equally fall.
0 kommentar(er)
