Edmund's Soliloquy In Julius Caesar

Edmund starts as the first character to be in a contrast scene; he uses his negativity to open a private scene of scheme. He starts by delivering a soliloquy revealing all of his dark intentions, including his ambition to become the next Earl of Gloucester "Legitimate Edgar, I must have your land"(1.2.16). Edmund starts with his rude plan by convincing Gloucester that Edgar is trying to kill him with ease. Gloucester breaks down predicting that things will get worse "These late eclipses in the sun and moon portend no good to us"(1.2.103-104) To Edmund his father's reaction is a consequence to the "foppery of the world"(1.2.18); to Edmund this foolishness and stupidity needs to be taken advantage of. Edmund's dreadfull manipulation of his brother and father, mixed with …show more content…
Edmund takes being evil a step further when his actions lead to larger consequences. Gloucester fully trusts Edmund and forgot about his other son, Edgar; therefore Gloucester passes on a serious secret to his evil son. "These injuries the King now bears will be revenged home; there is part of a power already footed; we must incline to the King. I will look him and privily relieve him"(3.3.11-14). Edmund's thoughts are only set on "The younger rises when the old doth fall"(3.3.25). Edmund sucessfully betrays his father and gains his reward as "Earl of Gloucester"(3.5.16). The consequences of these games are even more extreme as they lead to the blinding of his father and Gloucester is to "...smell/ His way to Dover"(3.7.93-94). Edmund goes from someone who simply takes advantage of family to a person who causes family harm. By the end of the play, the drama in the kingdom of England reaches its highest point. Edmund uses his manipulative self to form dirty, lusty relationships with two of the old kings daughters, Goneril and Regan. Neither daughter can even imagine life without this "...most dear"(4.2.24) new