The story of King Lear is one of William Shakespeare's most prized and cherished works. It enfolds the tragic downfall of King Lear due to his ineffective judgment regarding his three daughters" love for him. Similarly, the Earl of Gloucester faces the same dilemma in the play. He sides with his malicious, illegitimate son, Edmund the bastard, rather than his loyal, legitimate son, Edgar. Edgar is therefore disowned and dubbed a traitor, until his loyalty and compassion is comprehended by Gloucester and Edmund shortly before their deaths. This essay deals with the significant role of Edgar dur...

• Word Count: 498
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... holy fool who is under the protection of the gods or some prophetic powers, and is the "all licensed jester." Child-like in his character, loved, pampered and indulged he enjoys the King's good graces despite his continuous devastating remarks. He often tells Lear "I"ll teach you" or "you were foolish and still are." This omnipresent exhibition of superiority of a jester over his ... that she may fulfill her role appropriately. Lear exercises his paternal instincts on the Fool in Act III: "Come on, my boy. How dost my boy? Art cold?" (III, iii, 78) Lear treats him with utter affection a...

• Word Count: 1444
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School