King Lear’s hot temper and hasty decisions contribute significantly to his path of suffering. When Lear decides to abdicate his throne to his three daughters, he asks them to tell him how much they love him. Goneril and Regan shower him with false praises and declarations of their love. He believes that Cordelia possesses the most love for him, however, when she says, “I love your majesty according to my bond, no more nor less”(1.1.94-95), Lear becomes outraged and increasingly rash. Kent, a loyal servant, attempts to interrupt Lear and ask for forgiveness on behalf of Cordelia, only to which

Similarly, Gloucester experiences intense suffering, much like Lear, due to the banishing of his loyal child Edgar. Gloucester’s suffering begins when he is lead to believe that his son Edgar is plotting against him. Edmund convinces him of a forged letter that Edgar has plans to kill him. When Edmund presents the letter that is supposedly from Edgar, it takes very little convincing for Gloucester to believe him. Although Edgar was the loyal and loving son, Gloucester was unable to see through Edmund’s lies and in turn, sends out a search party to arrest Edgar. Gloucester tells his feelings about Edgar, “Abhorred villain, unnatural, detested villain!”(1.2.81-82). When Gloucester confides in Edmund and his plans to aid Lear, Edmund seizes the opportunity to turn Gloucester in for treason. Edmund’s deceit and betrayal abhor Gloucester. He suffers immensely, for he realizes the error of his ways and that Edgar was the loving and loyal son. His pain and suffering, however, becomes physical when he is committed of treason. Gloucester’s eyes are brutally gouged out. His suffering becomes so intense that Gloucester intends on committing suicide. Gloucester’s pain stems from his decision to believe his bastard son Edmund over Edgar. He cannot bare to live with such guilt on his conscience and decides to hurl himself off the side of a cliff. Now blind, Gloucester is accompanied by Edgar, who does not reveal his true identity to Gloucester. Upon reaching the cliff at Dover, Edgar misleads his father to believe he is jumping off the cliff, however, he on

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