# Scene V explained — King Lear

> Chapter companion for King Lear by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Regan interrogates Oswald about Goneril's letter to Edmund, reveals her own romantic interest in Edmund, and orders Oswald to kill the blind Gloucester.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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