King Lear Edmund Analysis

The play “King Lear” is a tragedy of an old king and the troubles of his broken kingdom; but the play illustrates, more than anything that lies and betrayal lead to ones desires but fails to last.

Edmund from act 1 has expressed from the start that he has a vision to be more, to be more than he was born, to be more than his half-brother and his father. During the time of Lear lords, or those high-born, had children when normal or common women. These children are called bastards and often despite their own noble heritage were treated like commoners. Also they didn’t inherit the land or titles. This strive to be better than what he is, has caused him to willing hurt others; a willingness that extends to his own father and brother.

Edmund has shown himself as a person that is willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants. Example when he places evidenced about his brother on himself. Now most people would plant evidence elsewhere, especially not on themselves. This act shows how confident he is in his endeavors, that he’s willing to put him in danger possible get caught, all for the sole purpose to make it seem like he’s a good morale person in the eyes of his father.

Edmund again shows this when he sells out his father to the earl of Cornwall for the position of earl of Gloucester. Well to say that was his original plan is to give too much credit. Cornwall never officially gave any intention he was going to name Edmund earl of Gloucester. Edmund had conveniently “found” the letter of his father form France. Now we know from his past experiences that he was probability setting up for him to gain Cornwall’s favor, not get his father blinded and he never said that he wanted his father harmed, “our fathers love ...

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...n’t hold back his pain, and we truly see him take the definitive steps toward insanity.

While it’s known we commit actions, and speak words we don’t mean, Lear’s actions and deeds speak differently. Being nude in the storm can be better explained after a night of drinking at the pub, but it’s harder to explain after one becomes homeless.

Lear does something similar when he makes a mock trial for the crimes of his daughters, in his mind, against him. The way it’s conducted is very questionable. The verdict was delivered in a speedily manner, with Lear as judge, jury, and executioner. This trail shows Lear placing all blame on his oldest daughters, with no other outside interference.

But he does show regret with Cordelia, his youngest. His emotional breakdown shows us that he truly feels wrong for it, and were showed this when he kills the man who kills Cordelia.