A Look at Shakespeare's Edmund

A detailed Summary of A Look at Shakespeare's Edmund

In King Lear, the villainous but intelligent Edmund, with more than a brief

examination into his character, has understandable motivations outside of the base purposes

with which he might at first be credited. Edmund is a character worthy of study, as he seems

to be the most socially complex character of the play. In a sense, he is both victim and villain.

Edmund is introduced into the play in the opening scene with his father, Gloucester,

stating that he acknowledges him as his son, but publicly mocking him for his bastardy. He is

referred to by Gloucester as a reason for Gloucester to blush and as a "knave" in front of Kent

(1.1.9-25). According to Claude J. Summers, "Illegitimacy is the characteristic which most

pervasively defines Edmund's life" (225). In essence, this means that personal embarrassment

and public humiliation are a continual torment for him his entire life. Concerning the

illegitimate sons of royalty in England at that time, according to Chris Given-Wilson in The

Royal Bastards of Medieval England, "The bend . . . or baton sinister . . . were used as the

standard mark of illegitimacy" in their herald

for himself and his father (1.2.164-83). In contrasting Edgar and Edmund, we can see that

his course of action and that they are both doting on him. He has one willing to kill her

their motivations" (83). Had he given more thought to the motivations of Edmund, it is

managers will determine his future advancement within the company. It is apparent to Edgar

Now gods, stand up for bastards! (1.2.15-22)

almost a surprise that the author has not portrayed them as creatures similar to the witches in

right schools, or having the right breeding. He is expected to attend meetings with the upper

system is understandable. Edmund had no reason to trust things would work out right if left to

Approximate Word count = 1702
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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