King Lear · Chapter
Scene I explained
Edmund learns from Curan that Cornwall and Regan are visiting Gloucester's castle that night, and hears rumors of impending war between Cornwall and Albany.
What happens
Edmund learns from Curan that Cornwall and Regan are visiting Gloucester's castle that night, and hears rumors of impending war between Cornwall and Albany. He then orchestrates a plot to frame his brother Edgar as a traitor, wounding himself to make the deception convincing. Gloucester falls for the ruse and disowns Edgar, promising to make Edmund his heir. Cornwall and Regan arrive, and Edmund gains their favor.
Themes in this chapter
Filial Ingratitude
Edmund's betrayal of his brother Edgar and his manipulation of their father Gloucester exemplify the theme of children turning against family.
Appearance vs. Reality
Edmund's feigned loyalty and self-inflicted wound create a false appearance of Edgar's treachery, deceiving Gloucester and the others.
Power and Authority
Cornwall and Regan assert their authority by taking Edmund into their service, while Gloucester uses his power to hunt Edgar.
Characters to notice
- Edmund
Manipulates Curan for information, deceives Edgar, wounds himself to frame Edgar, and ingratiates himself with Gloucester and Cornwall.
- Curan
Informs Edmund of Cornwall and Regan's visit and rumors of war.
- Edgar
Falsely accused by Edmund, forced to flee after being warned by his brother.
- Gloucester
Deceived by Edmund, believes Edgar is a traitor and orders his capture, promises to make Edmund his heir.
- Cornwall
Arrives with Regan, hears the false story about Edgar, and offers Edmund a position of trust.
- Regan
Arrives with Cornwall, expresses outrage at Edgar's alleged betrayal, and blames Lear's knights for corrupting him.
Key passages
“The duke be here to-night? The better! best! This weaves itself perforce into my business.”
Edmund is pleased that Cornwall is visiting, as it helps his scheme.
Edmund sees the visit as an opportunity to advance his plot against Edgar.
“Some blood drawn on me would beget opinion of my more fierce endeavour.”
Edmund wounds himself to make his story of Edgar's attack more believable.
Edmund's self-harm is a calculated act to deceive his father.
“Loyal and natural boy, I'll work the means to make thee capable.”
Gloucester promises to make Edmund his heir, believing him loyal.
Gloucester is completely fooled by Edmund's false loyalty.