# Scene II explained — King Lear

> Chapter companion for King Lear by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Goneril and Edmund meet before Albany's palace, where Goneril criticizes her husband's cowardice and sends Edmund to hasten his brother's forces. Albany confronts Goneril for her treatment of Lear, accusing her of barbarism. A messenger arrives with news that Cornwall has been killed by his servant while attempting to put out Gloucester's other eye, and that Edmund betrayed his father. Albany vows to avenge Gloucester.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Injustice

Albany sees Cornwall's death as divine vengeance for Gloucester's blinding, yet Edmund's betrayal goes unpunished.

### Power and Authority

Goneril asserts her authority over Albany and commands Edmund, while Albany challenges her moral authority.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Edmund appears loyal to Goneril but is secretly ambitious; Albany sees through Goneril's facade.

## Character check-ins

### Goneril

Welcomes Edmund, criticizes Albany's cowardice, and sends Edmund to hasten his brother's forces.

### Edmund

Receives Goneril's favor and kiss, declares himself hers 'in the ranks of death'.

### Albany

Confronts Goneril for her treatment of Lear, calls her a 'tiger' and 'devil', and later vows to avenge Gloucester.

### Oswald

Reports Albany's strange behavior to Goneril.

### Messenger

Brings news of Cornwall's death and Gloucester's blinding, revealing Edmund's betrayal.

## Key lines

> I have been worth the whistle.

I have been worthy of your attention.

_Goneril sarcastically remarks on Albany's neglect._

> Tigers, not daughters, what have you perform'd?

You have acted like wild beasts, not like daughters.

_Albany condemns Goneril's treatment of Lear._

> This shows you are above, You justicers, that these our nether crimes So speedily can venge!

This proves that the gods are just, punishing earthly crimes so quickly.

_Albany sees Cornwall's death as divine retribution._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/king_lear_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/king_lear_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/king_lear_se/chapters