# Scene II explained — King Lear

> Chapter companion for King Lear by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

In a field between the two camps, Edgar leads his blind father Gloucester to safety under a tree, praying for the right to thrive. After a retreat, Edgar returns with news that King Lear and Cordelia have been captured in battle. Gloucester despairs, but Edgar urges him to endure, emphasizing that 'ripeness is all.'

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

Gloucester's despair and Edgar's counsel to endure highlight the theme of suffering leading to potential redemption through patience.

### Nature and the Natural Order

The battle's outcome and Edgar's philosophy of endurance reflect the disruption and restoration of natural order.

## Character check-ins

### Edgar

Leads and comforts his blind father Gloucester, urging him to endure after Lear's defeat.

### Gloucester

Blind and despairing, he is guided by Edgar and struggles with thoughts of giving up.

### King Lear

Appears briefly with Cordelia and soldiers; reported captured after the battle.

### Cordelia

Appears with Lear and soldiers; reported captured after the battle.

## Key lines

> Men must endure Their going hence, even as their coming hither; Ripeness is all

People must bear their deaths as patiently as they bear their births; readiness for the end is everything.

_Edgar counsels Gloucester to accept fate with equanimity._

> King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en

King Lear has been defeated, and he and his daughter have been taken prisoner.

_Edgar reports the outcome of the battle to Gloucester._

## Links

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