The punishment of Kent is significant for other reasons. We see that Cornwall is arrogant, snapping, when Gloucester fears he will offend Lear, and we see that Regan is vindictive, urging that Kent’s time in the stocks be greatly lengthened. It becomes clear that husband and wife operate effectively as a team and enjoy their cruelty, hinting at the horrors to come in Act III Scene 7. It is also clear that power is in new hands. Gloucester is ineffectual in this scene, and Lear’s representative, Kent, is treated with scorn. Only the hint that Cordelia will return offers us some hope that the progress of the evil characters might be checked.