King Lear

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   ms-mcgregor Teacher
   High School - 12th Grade

   Edmund has a more diabolical and has a more "modern" philosophy than Gloucester. In his soliloquy at the beginning of the scene, Edmund sets out this philosophy which is morally indifferent and basically contends that the end justifies the means. Gloucester still holds to the Elizabethan philosophy that everything in the universe is ordered and placed in its correct hierarchy by God. Thus, Gloucester is naive and foolish to ask Edmund if the note he has is in Edgar's handwriting because Edmund has been away for nine years. However, Gloucester believes Edmund will be honest with him. Gloucester also is naive when it comes to making good choices for Edgar. Gloucester's poor judgment parallels Lear's judgment of Cordelia and allows Edmund's plans to be successful. Thus, a series of parallels begin in the play--Gloucester with Lear, Edgar with Cordelia, and Edmund with Goneril and Regan.

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   Posted by ms-mcgregor on Thursday September 4, 2008 at 8:38 PM
   
   

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