King Lear
Scene Summaries
Act I
Scene i
This scene introduces most of the major characters. We find that King Lear divides his kingdom between his older daughters Goneril and Regan,
disinherits his youngest daughter Cordelia, and banishes the loyal Earl of Kent. By the end of the scene, we get a glimpse of the conspiratorial
natures of Goneril and Regan.
Scene ii
The bastard Edmund, son of the Earl of Gloucester, maligns his brother Edgar to Gloucester. Edmund’s evil nature becomes more apparent as he
also manages to dupe Edgar into believing that he is concerned for his safety in light of Gloucester’s anger.
Scene iii
Goneril instructs her steward Oswald to be negligent in serving her father, King Lear. Presumably, Goneril hopes to cajole her father into
meekness by causing his needs and desires to go unmet. We find Oswald to be extremely willing to serve his lady and the lady very familiar
with her servant.
Scene iv
The disguised but loyal Kent requests and receives employment as one of Lear’s band of knights and servants. Also in this scene we meet the
Fool, a fascinating character who serves the king as a court jester. The conflict between Goneril and Lear becomes obvious.
Scene v
Lear sends Kent with letters to Gloucester and Regan. The Fool comments upon Lear’s errors in judgment. Lear leaves the home of Goneril.
Act II
Scene i
Rumors circulate about a conflict between Albany and Cornwall. Edmund spreads more false tales about Edgar and wins the support of
Cornwall.
Scene ii
Kent lets his tongue get the better of him; he insults Oswald at the home of Gloucester and instigates a sword fight. Consequently, the visiting
Cornwall puts Kent in the stocks for fighting with Oswald.
Scene iii
Edgar assumes a new identity as a Bedlam beggar, portraying himself as Poor Tom. As this beggar, Edgar adopts the speech and actions of a
lunatic and wears a blanket as his sole item of clothing.
Scene iv
Lear finds Kent in stocks at Gloucester’s castle. Regan and Goneril team up to deprive Lear of all his attendants. Cornwall orders Lear locked
out of Gloucester’s home during a windy, stormy night.
Act III
Scene i
Kent and a gentleman discuss Lear’s subjection to the storm, commenting upon the king’s raving and wandering upon the heath. The two men
also discuss the arrival of French troops, implying that war will soon erupt in Britain.
Scene ii
Accompanied by his Fool, Lear sinks into madness and rages at the storm. The Fool provides a sounding board for the growing lunacies of his
King.
Scene iii
Gloucester, having received a letter that speaks of divisions between Albany and Cornwall and of French invaders, plans to aid Lear. Edmund,
trusted by his father and told of this news, sees an opportunity to betray Gloucester.
