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act 2 - Coggle Diagram
act 2
regan
Regan and Cornwall's arrival further signifies the consolidation of power among the antagonistic characters. Their alignment with Edmund and condemnation of Edgar demonstrate the intertwining of plot and subplot, as the evil characters join forces to assert control and perpetuate the chaos engulfing the kingdom.
Regan's Deception and Untrustworthiness: Regan's duplicity is evident in her actions, as she simultaneously denies shelter to Lear's knights while offering hollow comfort to Gloucester. Her willingness to manipulate and deceive highlights her ruthless pursuit of power and her lack of empathy or loyalty towards her family members.
Lear pleads suffering yet Regan refers to him using the cold word “sir” rather than being warm and referring to him as “father”.
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The Fool states that a man who favours a useless part of the body over what is really worth cherishing shall suffer lasting harm -> an analogy for favouring Goneril and Regan and not Cordelia.
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edmund
edmund
Edmund's Deception of Gloucester: Edmund's self-inflicted wound and feigned innocence deceive Gloucester, who rushes to condemn Edgar based on Edmund's false accusations. Gloucester's rashness and blind trust in Edmund parallel Lear's own impulsive actions, highlighting the tragic consequences of misplaced trust and emotional manipulation.calls him ‘strange’ (meaning unnatural) irony
Illegitimacy and Parental Betrayal: The subplot involving Edmund and Gloucester mirrors the main plot's theme of familial betrayal, as the illegitimate child turns against his parent. Shakespeare uses this parallel to underscore the universality of familial conflict and the potential for children to betray their parents, regardless of legitimacy.
Edmund's Manipulation of Edgar: Edmund deliberately manipulates Edgar, employing short, quick phrases and commands to prevent him from thinking critically. By insinuating that Edgar has enemies within the household, Edmund further exacerbates Edgar's paranoia and fear, ultimately leading him to flee.
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kent
Kent's reference to the "holy-cords" hints at a possible inappropriate relationship between Goneril and Oswald, suggesting a deeper complexity to their interactions beyond mere servitude.
Kent's willingness to fight Oswald and his criticism of Cornwall's actions demonstrate his unwavering loyalty to Lear and his commitment to justice. Despite facing punishment for his actions, Kent remains steadfast in his principles, echoing the themes of integrity and righteousness.
Cornwall's support of Oswald and his decision to punish Kent without regard for his status as Lear's representative highlight his cruelty and disregard for authority. Regan's enjoyment of Kent's punishment further underscores her malevolent nature and her growing influence over the household.
Gloucester's plea for Kent's mercy and his offer of condolences reveal his sympathetic nature and his diminishing influence in the face of Regan and Cornwall's authority. The power shift within the household becomes evident as the sisters assert their control over their father's domain.
Kent's revelation of Cordelia's intention to rectify the wrongs done to Lear offers a glimmer of hope amid the chaos and cruelty. Cordelia's potential return symbolizes the possibility of redemption and reconciliation in the face of adversity.
Kent (disguised as Caius) confronts Oswald, accusing him of cowardice and challenging him to a fight. This confrontation underscores the conflict between the forces of good and evil, with Kent symbolically striking a blow against Oswald's malevolence.
edgar
Social Outcast and Desperation: Edgar's decision to portray himself as a social outcast underscores the depths of his fear and the lengths to which he must go to survive. His assumed madness reflects the turmoil and chaos engulfing the kingdom, mirroring Lear's own descent into madness and destitution.
Parallels with Lear: Edgar's reliance on charity and his adoption of a beggar's persona parallel Lear's own vulnerability and descent into poverty. Both characters experience the consequences of Lear's division of the kingdom and the breakdown of societal order.
Symbolism of Bedlam: The reference to Bedlam (Bethlehem) hospital, where the mentally ill were housed and released to beg for survival, adds depth to Edgar's plight. His transformation into Poor Tom not only serves as a means of survival but also symbolizes the punishment of goodness and the loss of sanity in a world consumed by chaos.
To evade capture and blend in with the impoverished populace, Edgar adopts the guise of Poor Tom, a Bedlam beggar. This choice highlights Edgar's desperation and the perilousness of his circumstances.
lear
Cruelty of Daughters: Regan's cold demeanor and refusal to show compassion towards Lear underscore the depth of her betrayal. Her insistence that Lear should accept his age and return to Goneril demonstrates her callous disregard for her father's well-being and dignity.
Lear's Descent into Madness: Lear's increasing agitation and erratic behavior reveal his deteriorating mental state. His futile attempts to control his emotions and make sense of the situation foreshadow his eventual descent into madness, symbolized by the impending storm.
Power Struggle with Daughters: Lear's futile attempts to assert his authority and retain his knights highlight the power struggle between him and his daughters. Despite his passionate protests and threats of revenge, Lear is ultimately forced to capitulate to his daughters' demands, symbolizing his loss of power and dignity. He now refers to Regan as “the Duke and her”
Symbolism of Storm: The approaching storm serves as a metaphor for the chaos and turmoil consuming Lear's mind and kingdom. As Lear is cast out into the storm, he becomes increasingly isolated and vulnerable, mirroring his inner turmoil and descent into madness.
Coldness of Goneril and Regan: Goneril and Regan's refusal to show mercy or empathy towards Lear reveals their true nature as cold and ruthless individuals. Their callous rejection of Lear's pleas for compassion highlights their moral bankruptcy and lack of filial piety.
Lear's distress upon seeing Kent in the stocks reflects his growing realization that his own decisions have led to the suffering of those loyal to him. Kent's punishment serves as a poignant reminder of Lear's own vulnerability and the consequences of his actions.
Blindness to Daughters' Deception: Despite the Fool's mockery and Kent's warnings, Lear refuses to believe that Cornwall and Regan are responsible for Kent's punishment. His inability to see the truth mirrors his earlier blindness to Goneril's and Regan's deceit, highlighting his tragic flaw of misplaced trust in his daughters.
The stress of what’s happening is having a physical toll on him at this point as he says “oh my rising heart”.
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