Greed In Julius Caesar

Edmund’s cold-hearted, troubled, and ambitious feelings lead into guilt. He is troubled on how he will gain power and use it for his own interests; then, who he will marry between the sisters that fight for him. Later in the act, Edmund feels guilt in his actions and tries to repent for his wrongdoings. Edmund is not in love because he does not show true affection to Goneril or Regan. His ultimate goal is power for himself; thus, he does not care who he marries because options will put him in a position of authority. Edmund’s lack of love is shown when he refers to their behaviour to that “of the adder” (Shakespeare, V.i.63). Furthermore, when pondering about which sister to take, he states, “neither can be enjoyed” (Shakespeare, V.i.64). This

He places his ambition of winning the war before potential feelings when he claims he will “use / His countenance for the battle” (Shakespeare, V.i.68-69) before deciding on one of the sisters. How Edmund will use Albany to win, kill him, and then choose a wife causes trouble in his mind. Edmund plans to “let her who would be rid of him devise / His speedy taking off” (Shakespeare, V.i.70-71). Using either one of the sisters to kill Albany and still have either sister available for himself afterwards, as long as he wins the war and is uncontested for supremacy, shows his greedy and megalomaniac nature. After Edgar’s identity is revealed, Edmund feels guilt for his actions. His remorse is shown when he states, “some good [he] mean to do / Despite of [his] own nature” (V.iii.256-257). Edmund’s actions show changes in feelings that allow him to realize his greediness and try to redeem himself for his wrong-doings. Evidence of Edmund’s feelings of guilt are represented after he tries to retract his order to kill Cordelia; however, his newfound mercy compared to his past merciless, selfish state is unsuccessful. Edmund’s lack of affection toward the sisters, his evident cruelty, and power-hungry feelings eventually transform to guilt, regret, and compassion towards his brother and Cordelia before he