Deception, Reversal, and Violence: Act 4 Scene 6 of King Lear

🎭Deception plays a central role in Act 4 Scene 6 as Edgar pretends to lead Gloucester to a cliff, tricking him into thinking he will commit suicide.

⚖️The scene presents a powerful reversal of fortune for Gloucester, who goes from despairing and wanting to end his life to being saved and given hope by his disguised son, Edgar.

🗡️Violence erupts in the scene with a brief battle between Edgar and Oswald. Edgar ultimately kills Oswald, eliminating one of the antagonistic characters.

📚Shakespeare explores the concept of filial duty as Edgar, driven by compassion, helps his father and takes on the responsibility of righting the kingdom's wrongs.

💔The scene highlights the tragic fate of Gloucester, who becomes a pawn in the deceptive and violent power struggles of the play.

How does Edgar deceive Gloucester?

—Edgar disguises himself as a beggar named Poor Tom and convinces Gloucester that he is leading him to a high cliff to commit suicide.

Why does Gloucester attempt to kill himself?

—Gloucester is filled with despair and believes that death is the only way to escape his suffering and the chaos in the kingdom.

Who saves Gloucester from killing himself?

—Edgar, disguised as Poor Tom, intervenes and prevents Gloucester from jumping off the cliff.

What role does violence play in the scene?

—There is a brief battle between Edgar and Oswald, resulting in Edgar killing Oswald. This showcases the presence of violence in the play.

How does Edgar demonstrate his goodness?

—Edgar acts selflessly, saving his father and taking on the responsibility to right some of the wrongs in the kingdom.

00:01[Music]

00:09In Act 4 Scene 6, Edgar deceives Gloucester, disguised as Poor Tom.

00:23Gloucester attempts to kill himself by jumping off a cliff.

00:35Edgar saves Gloucester and spins a story about the height of the cliff.

00:57Lear enters and recognizes Gloucester.

01:00Gloucester offers his eyes to Lear.

01:08Edgar quizzes the servants for news of the battle.

01:13Oswald enters intending to kill Gloucester.