... Edmund has turned against him. Similarly, we wonder at whether Edmund's past is a mitigating factor in our judgment of him. For justice to be served, however, Gloucester's punishment would have to fit whatever crime we perceive he has committed. The blinding of Gloucester is a pivotal moment of the play. Edmund leaves before Cornwall performs the deed, but he is not ignorant to ... what is coming. Edmund does not speak before Gloucester is brought in, but the last thing he says, scenes earlier, is an expression of his agreement for bringing the king before ... issue of justice in this ...

• Word Count: 2076
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

... , depending on their beliefs about the presence or absence of a higher power. The theme of justice in relation to higher powers can be illustrated from the perspective of King Lear, Gloucester, and Edgar. When reading King Lear, it is helpful to understand the Elizabethan "Chain of Being" in which nature is viewed as order. Rosenblatt (1984) states that there was a belief in an established hierarchy ... . However, to what degree is Gloucester responsible for Edmund's evil behaviour? And was it just that Gloucester's eyes were poked out by Goneril and Reagan? This leaves one wondering whet...

• Word Count: 1734
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School