Scene V explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Power and Authority

  Regan asserts her authority over Oswald and manipulates the political situation to advance her own romantic and strategic interests.

• Appearance vs. Reality

  Regan pretends to be concerned about Edmund's mission while secretly pursuing her own agenda, and Oswald feigns ignorance about the letter's contents.

Characters to notice

• Regan

  Questions Oswald about Goneril's letter and Edmund, expresses romantic interest in Edmund, and orders the death of Gloucester.

• Oswald

  Delivers Goneril's letter, resists Regan's pressure to unseal it, and agrees to seek out and kill Gloucester.

Key passages

• “It was great ignorance, Gloucester’s eyes being out, To let him live”

  It was foolish to let Gloucester live after blinding him.

  Regan criticizes the decision to spare Gloucester's life, seeing him as a threat.

• “Edmund and I have talk’d; And more convenient is he for my hand Than for your lady’s”

  Edmund and I have discussed it, and he is more suitable for me than for your mistress.

  Regan openly declares her romantic interest in Edmund, rivaling Goneril.