King Lear · Chapter
Scene III explained
Gloucester confides in Edmund about his decision to aid King Lear despite the prohibition from Regan and Cornwall, revealing a letter about a foreign invasion.
What happens
Gloucester confides in Edmund about his decision to aid King Lear despite the prohibition from Regan and Cornwall, revealing a letter about a foreign invasion. Edmund resolves to betray his father to gain his inheritance.
Themes in this chapter
Filial Ingratitude
Edmund's betrayal of his father Gloucester exemplifies the theme of children turning against their parents.
Power and Authority
Gloucester's fear of the dukes' displeasure and Edmund's ambition highlight the struggle for power and control.
Characters to notice
- Gloucester
Reveals his plan to secretly help Lear and shows Edmund a dangerous letter about a foreign power.
- Edmund
Feigns sympathy but decides to betray Gloucester to Cornwall to advance his own position.
Key passages
“Alack, alack, Edmund, I like not this unnatural dealing. When I desire their leave that I might pity him, they took from me the use of mine own house; charged me, on pain of their perpetual displeasure, neither to speak of him, entreat for him, nor any way sustain him.”
Gloucester laments that Regan and Cornwall have forbidden him from helping Lear, threatening him with their lasting anger if he speaks for or aids the king.
Gloucester's distress shows the cruel restrictions placed on loyalty and compassion.
“This courtesy, forbid thee, shall the duke Instantly know; and of that letter too: This seems a fair deserving, and must draw me That which my father loses; no less than all: The younger rises when the old doth fall.”
Edmund decides to report Gloucester's kindness and the letter to the duke, believing this betrayal will earn him his father's wealth and status.
Edmund's soliloquy reveals his ruthless ambition and the inversion of the natural order.