Children: Edmund (illegitimate) and Edgar (conceived in marriage) Earl of Gloucester Children: Edmund (illegitimate) and Edgar (conceived in marriage) “Do you smell a fault?” Gloucester is conscious of his mistake in sex outside of marriage in the society of the play, yet claims to love both children equally, He has another son “who is yet no dearer in (his) account”

Development Gloucester’s trust in Edmund and lack of faith in Edgar leads him to banish his honest son. He is BLIND to Edmund’s true intentions. He confides in Edmund about Cordelia’s whereabouts and is again betrayed. This treason leads to his punishment of literal blinding by Regan and Cornwall. Ironically, he is then able to see the truth about his sons, and laments his decision to cast Edgar out. He asks his ‘mad’ guide, ‘Poor Tom’ to lead him to the cliffs of Dover to commit suicide, unaware that Tom is in fact Edgar in disguise. Tom leads him to the cliffs, but tricks him into believing that he survived a jump by a miracle of the Gods. Gloucester is then reunited with Lear. Unseen by the audience, Edgar reveals his true identity to Gloucester, who dies from the shock.

A Loyal Subject Gloucester remains with Lear despite inwardly questioning his actions, “Kent banished thus, and France in choler parted?” Gloucester helps Lear in the storm, going against Regan and Goneril’s wishes. He acts upon his sense of what is right and his knowledge of Lear’s rightful place as King, “If wolves had at they gate howled that stern time, Thou should’st have said, good porter turn the key.” Good friend, I prithee, take him in thy arms; I have o'erheard a plot of death upon him: There is a litter ready; lay him in 't, And drive towards Dover, friend, where thou shalt meet Both welcome and protection. Take up thy master: If thou shouldst dally half an hour, his life, With thine, and all that offer to defend him, Stand in assured loss: take up, take up; And follow me, Gloucester desires peace between Lear and his daughters “I would have all well betwixt you”

The Parallel Plot GLOUCESTER Patriarchal figure of family. Deceived by one son Banishes his honest son. Blind to the true nature of his children. Betrayed and stripped of power by actions of son. Sees at the end, dying after full extent of truth is revealed. LEAR Patriarchal figure of kingdom Deceived by two daughters Banishes honest daughter. Blind to the true nature of his children. Betrayed and stripped of power by the actions of his daughters. Truth about G and R drives him mad, he dies at the sight of the dead Cordelia.

Gloucester and Nature These late eclipses in the sun and moon portend no good to us: though the wisdom of nature can reason it thus and thus, yet nature finds itself scourged by the sequent effects: love cools, friendship falls off, brothers divide: in cities, mutinies; in countries, discord; in palaces, treason; and the bond cracked 'twixt son and father. This villain of mine comes under the prediction; there's son against father: the king falls from bias of nature; there's father against child. To Lear- O ruin'd piece of nature! This great world Shall so wear out to nought. Dost thou know me?

Gloucester and Speech (nothing) No words, no words: hush. To Lear. ‘Nothing’ or ‘no thing’

Gloucester and Madness Thou say'st the king grows mad; I'll tell thee, friend, I am almost mad myself: I had a son, Now outlaw'd from my blood; he sought my life, But lately, very late: I loved him, friend; No father his son dearer: truth to tell thee, The grief hath crazed my wits. What a night's this! 'Tis the times' plague, when madmen lead the blind.

Gloucester and Sight I have no way, and therefore want no eyes; I stumbled when I saw: full oft 'tis seen, Our means secure us, and our mere defects Prove our commodities. O dear son Edgar, The food of thy abused father's wrath! Might I but live to see thee in my touch, I'ld say I had eyes again!

Gloucester and Gods As flies to wanton boys, are we to the gods. They kill us for their sport. Here, take this purse, thou whom the heavens' plagues Have humbled to all strokes: that I am wretched Makes thee the happier: heavens, deal so still O you mighty gods! This world I do renounce, and, in your sights, Shake patiently my great affliction off: If I could bear it longer, and not fall To quarrel with your great opposeless wills, My snuff and loathed part of nature should Burn itself out. If Edgar live, O, bless him! Now, fellow, fare thee well.