Act 1. Scene 1
1. We learn from that discussion, that the son who is older will prosper as Gloster’s heritage and the second son (Edmund) won’t receive any heritage. Edgar is the eldest of Gloucester’s sons. He is his father’s descendant, but nor legitimately and thus will not receive any heritage.
2. King Lear’s plan is to give the largest part of his kingdom to his daughter (Cordelia) who has the most affection for King Lear. He plans to take a step back at his position and let his daughter and the younger generation take over. This ends up not happening though, as he for some reason does not love his daughter anymore? (huh?) The key word that appears over and over again is “nothing”. He pretty much loses his mind just because she show off her “flattering speech” to compete for King Lear’s affections.
3. Burgundy rejected Cordelia as his wife because he’s really only interested in wealth and because Cordelia has not dowry. France ends up accepting Cordelia because of the rivalry he has with Burgundy.
Act 1. Scene 2
1. In Edmund’s soliloquy we find that he feels like he’s King Lear’s legitimate son and that “the actual son” Edgar is illegitimate. The word nature in this context has to do with him believing that it is his natural right to inherit the kingdom (he believes he deserves it as well). He plans to create chaos in the kingdom and the device he has prepared is supposed to expose Edgar as an illegitimate son.
2. He acts like he’s hiding the letter to make his father curious and read the letter. Yes something sounds very familiar in that letter that was read.
3. In the letter “Edgar” says that he wants to talke to Edmund to hatch a plan to kill Gloucester, as well as the remark (made by “Edgar”) that said old people are useless and silly. Edmund really wrote the letter and in my opinion it was pretty obvious from the beginning. I am surprised at Gloucester’s response but I do not think that the way he used natural was not the same language Edmund was speaking (metaphorical).
4. The strange events are a result of the debates on the legitimacy of Lear’s sons. He believes that Edgar is betraying Gloucester based on the letter alone. Edmund responds to Gloucester with “obedience” and pledges to find Edgar. His view on man and the universe is that life is unfair (for males).
5. Edgar believes this very easily. Edgar seems to be confused by what Edmound is telling him, and Ed makes Edgar think that a rumor is being spread about him because his dad believes it. Edmund used “astrological evidence” to manipulate his “brother” because he knows he’ll believe and trust it.
Act 1. Scene 3
1. He is not by himself, as he has brought along all of his knights. He acts basically like a child and his knights are acting immature as well. Goneril is justified by being angry, since he is staying at her house and acting naive and irrational.
2. Goneril’s tone is that of a person who is not concerned with Lear being her father, she criticizes him for being so indecisive.
3. No, King Lear is not really retired since he still has plans for continuing or divvying up the kingdom. (Meaning he’s not retired yet)
4. Goneril orders that Oswald is to keep an eye on Lear. She pretends to be sick, tells Oswald not to serve Lear like he used to, making her servants serve him poorly so he leaves on his own, is upset that the love she confessed for him did not equate to her having a large portion of the kingdom. Her anger caused him to be mischievous, corrupt, and a liar. Edmund did and does all of those things, possesses those traits and lives by them.
