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King Lear Text Interactions image - Coggle Diagram
King Lear Text Interactions
Act II
Edmund v. Edger
A trick fight between brothers to gain power
Extra Resource II: Gloucester and His Sons - Shakespeare Uncovered
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Extra Resource Link
One historian for the video notes, "Shakespeare has created a villain that mocks the entire Jacobean worldview.
Evidence from PBS
This video represents the complex and deadly relationship between Gloucester and his two sons.
Jacobean culture is filled with Gods, astrology, and 'deeper meanings.' Edmund believes none of this, and as the antagonist, he could symbolize 'unholy-ness' in this play. Those who were not believers during this period were viewed as evil, which matches the variety of horrific deeds Edmund performs throughout the play.
Act III
The blinding of Gloucester
Extra Resource I: King Lear: Who is the Man Without His Crown - Shakespeare Uncovered
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Extra Resource Link
In the video, one historian states, "His identity is a great deal more fragile than he realized."
"O may I not be mad"
These quotes relate to the idea that King Lear has a fragile identity and initially views his existence only on his power and status. As the play continues and his madness develops, Lear realizes there is more to himself than the superfluous and extravagant life he lives as powerful royalty.
Evidence from PBS
Theme of the video: "Who am I"
This interaction details the emotional and psychological elements in King Lear, touching on themes such as identity, pride, and madness throughout the play, especially King Lear's deeper understanding of himself as his crown and family are stripped from him.
Act I
Edmund and Gloucester- Scene II
How does Edmund feel during this moment?
Edmund if feeling powerless and alone in the beginning, which is shown when he states in his soliloquy, "Why brand they us?" (Shakespeare 29). In other words, he is frustrated with the labels that define himself and society, and that automatically make him inferior to his legitimate brother, Edger.
"Thomas Ridley, A View of the Ciuile and Ecclesiastical Law (London: Adam Islip for the Company of Stationers, 1607): 'Bastardie is an vnlawfull state of birth disabled by diuine and humane Lawes to succéed in inheritance,'" (Harvard University Press)
Source
This 17th century quotes gives definition into the term 'bastard," which, by nature, has a negative connotation. Edmund was a bastard because he was illegitimate, which leads to his feelings of inferiority.
Edmund creates a master plan to forge a negative letter from Edger to Gloucester, so Edmund may receive all of Edger's land and status and no longer be viewed as a bastard.
Kent's Loyalty - Scene IV
Image Source
Image Description: Kent's disguise
The Banishment of Cordelia
Image Credits
Image Description: King Lear Act I Scene I
Coredelia is banished by King Lear because she refuses to lie to her father about how much she loves him to receive more land when he passes. This scene sets the play up for its main plot and introduces all main characters, including Gloucester and his family, Kent, and Cordelia's two sisters.
Cordelia's honesty is one the few positive characteristics of the Lear family. Her sisters both lied for power, Lear abused his stance as a father and King, but most importantly, Cordelia's banishment shows that no one truly loved each other.
What will one do for power?
