These are notes for Act 4 of King Lear. It provides a comprehensive linguistic analysis of all scenes in Act 4 of King Lear. It also emphasises the way in which King Lear relates to the traditional rules of tragedy
- There is structural symmetry in the play as Gloucester, who is now at the nadir of his
fortunes, parallels with Lear on the heath
- Through Edgar’s soliloquy, the message of human suffering is universalised. There is an
implication in the play that it is only when one reaches the nadir of fortune that hope and
optimism can be gained, “The lowest and most dejected thing of Fortune / Stands still in
Esperance; lives not in fear.” There is a suggestion; both by Lear and Edgar, that suffering
can have a liberating effect. Edgar’s stoical acceptance of his own suffering elevates his
heroic status. However, this statement is ironic as Edgar’s fortunes will be depleted even
further when he sees his blind father.
- The agonised repetition, “World, world O world!” emphasises Edgar’s shock, horror and
disbelief. It also has a universalising effect as it explores suffering as an intrinsic aspect of the
human condition.
- Edgar’s disguise is used as a vehicle for generating dramatic irony in the scene as Gloucester
repents for what he has done to Edgar, without realising that Edgar is present.
- There is an implicit reference to fate and the external forces at work, “thy strange
mutations make us hate thee.” The workings of fate and fortune and the actions of the gods
are much more inscrutable in King Lear than in Burial at Thebes
- Through the powerful use of negatives, “I have no way and therefore want no eyes”
Gloucester’s stoical acceptance of his punishment is evoked. There is an implication of the
ameliorative effects of suffering
- The paradox, “I stumbled when I saw” suggests the anagnorisis of Gloucester who is
ironically more aware of his moral failings now that he his blind. (tragic emotions- pity/fear)
However, it could be argued that this anagnorisis is only partial as he still fails to recognise
Edgar in disguise (familial failings)
- The powerful use of aside and superlative language, “I am worse than e’er I was” evokes
the agony of Edgar at the recognition of the extremity of his father’s suffering.
(disproportionate suffering / tragic emotions) The sententious tone of Edgar’s remarks
suggests the clarity that can come with insanity (link to Lear)
- Through the use of the simile, “As flies to wanton boys, are we to th’ Gods / They kill us for
their sport” there is a characterisation of the gods in the play There is an implication of the
lack of a divine scheme and the random nature of fate. There is a suggestion in Edgar’s
words that extreme suffering is heaped on humanity by the gods. However, in this play the
majority of the suffering can be linked back to acts of human evil (theme- man Vs. gods)
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