Disguises in King Lear
Disguised characters play an important role in King Lear. Their actions bridge towards broader motifs: such as truth, nature, and family. Edgar, disguised as Poor Tom, contributes a great deal into plot but is also a great example that shows these motifs. His disguise allowed him to change certain events and help others while staying true to character. Edgar disguises himself as a madman, a beggar. He fulfills this role by tearing his royal clothing and used some of the scraps to cover his body. He would intentionally take dirt and rub it on his body and through his hair. " My face I'll grime with filth/Blanket my loins/elf all my hair in knots..."(II.iii.9-10). To go further in disguise he starts to speak like a madman. He speaks as if he's gone through Hell. Sometimes he can be understood, but then there are times when he makes nonsense. He constantly says "Poor Tom's-a-cold throughout act III. The reason behind Edgar's disguise is that he wanted to escape from his father. Gloucester was persuaded by Edmond to believe that Edgar was plotting against the Duke. He was considered a fugitive. Edgar felt that this disguise wa
Edgar's disguise allowed him to change a characters' perspective, including his own. The motifs of truth, nature, and family have all been affected through characters in disguise. Edgar's true character was shown through Poor Tom. s the only way to solve the problem. He believes that being disguised as poor, he can still remain in character. What can also be seen in Edgar is a chance to escape the character in royal status. It seems that taking any part in royalty causes suffering, blindness, and evil intent. There were many outcomes to Edgar's disguise. Edgar was successful in escaping from his father. It also showed, through his actions, a side of him that no one has ever perceived before. Edgar's true character was shown through the Poor Tom disguise. Disguised as Poor Tom and acting like a madman, he has been a reliable source of information to Lear. After Poor Tom stated what he once was before turning into a madman, Lear's response was "Thou wert better in a grave than to answer with thy uncovered body...is man no more than this?" (III.iv.91-93). Lear realizes that man is nothing without clothing or material
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Approximate Word count = 763
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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