Relations
Who was the nobleman that was easily deceived and betrayed?
Who is the Earl of Gloucester?
Why was Edmund so jealous of his brother?
What is because he is the illegitimate heir and was going to inherit nothing
The contrast between Edmund and Edgar symbolizes the struggle between these two opposing forces in the play.
What are chaos and order?
Who is The duke of cornwall
Edmund and Goneril plot against this individual.
"Edmund’s mention of 'the wheel' in his speech is a potent symbol representing this inevitable force that turns and brings retribution."
What is fate?
Edmund betrays this individual and forces him into disguise, later showing up as "Poor Tom"
Who is Edgar
How did Edmund deceive his father? What did he tell him?
What is Edgar planning to betray and kill him
"Edgar proclaims, 'My name is Edgar, and thy father’s son,' a line that underscores the importance of this concept in their conflict."
What is legitimacy?
What is power and status
Instead of believing in fate, Edmund chooses to do this to shape his future.
What is manipulate and strategize his way to power?
"Edmund laments, 'The wheel is come full circle,' referring to the inevitable consequences of his treachery. This phrase symbolizes the destructive nature of his what?"
What is unchecked ambition?
After Edgar reveals Edmund’s treachery, their conflict is settled through this medieval method.
What is trial by combat (Which mortally wounds edmund)
After committing serial villianious acts, Edmund's final attempt to do good is stopping this tragic event.
What is the execution of Lear and Cordelia
Edmund’s pursuit of power at any cost reflects Shakespeare’s critique of this belief, which suggests that individuals can rise above social constraints purely by ambition.
Response: What is meritocracy without morality?