Edmund intrinsically connects to the theme of human despair as through his suffering, he demonstrates the depths of cruelty which humans are capable. Edmund suffers as a result of neglect by his father and society. For most of his life, Edmund is not acknowledged by his father because he is Gloucester’s illegitimate son. At the time, society recognizes illegitimate children as bastards. Bastard children create a bad reputation for the family members. Thus, Gloucester does not accept his bastard son for the majority of Edmund’s life. “My services are bound. Wherefore should I / stand in the plague of custom and permit / The curiosity of nations to deprive me,” (1.2.2-4). Edmund expresses that he should not be inferior to Edgar because of hateful
…show more content…
Edmund breaks the bond between Gloucester and Edgar in order to gain recognition from Gloucester. He gains trust by default as Gloucester no longer trusts Edgar after reading the letter Edmund shows him. “O strange and fastened villain!” (2.1.77). Gloucester refers to his one favoured son as a villain, and pronounces Edmund as heir to his throne. “May have due note of him, and of my land, / Loyal and natural boy, I’ll work the means / To make thee capable” (2.1.83-5). Gloucester signified Edmunds gratifying status as the favoured son. However, Edmund is not satisfied with diminishing his familial bonds; thus, he destroys the relationships between Goneril and Regan as they each fall in love with Edmund, who loves neither of them back. The sisters become blindly infatuated with Edmund and jealous of one another. “But being widow, and my Gloucester with her, / May all the building in my fancy pluck / Upon my hateful life. Another way / The news is not so tart—I’ll read, and answer” (4.2.84-7). Goneril admits she fears Regan will fall for Goneril’s lover Edmund. The jealousy and fear is later demonstrated as Goneril poisons her own sister in order to be with Edmund. The sisters do not realize Edmund manipulated them both, which illustrates Edmund’s remarkable ability to seduce others and cause despair. In contrast, after being blinded, Gloucester understand Edmund betrayed him to simply gain Cornwall’s trust. “Edmund, enkindle all the sparks of nature / To quit this horrid act.” (3.7.86-7). Gloucester comes to terms with Edmund’s betrayal and hopes he will stop manipulating those around him. However, Edmund’s unremorseful attitude allows him to successfully gain power, and thusly, revenge for his lack of recognition during the majority of his
Edmund breaks the bond between Gloucester and Edgar in order to gain recognition from Gloucester. He gains trust by default as Gloucester no longer trusts Edgar after reading the letter Edmund shows him. “O strange and fastened villain!” (2.1.77). Gloucester refers to his one favoured son as a villain, and pronounces Edmund as heir to his throne. “May have due note of him, and of my land, / Loyal and natural boy, I’ll work the means / To make thee capable” (2.1.83-5). Gloucester signified Edmunds gratifying status as the favoured son. However, Edmund is not satisfied with diminishing his familial bonds; thus, he destroys the relationships between Goneril and Regan as they each fall in love with Edmund, who loves neither of them back. The sisters become blindly infatuated with Edmund and jealous of one another. “But being widow, and my Gloucester with her, / May all the building in my fancy pluck / Upon my hateful life. Another way / The news is not so tart—I’ll read, and answer” (4.2.84-7). Goneril admits she fears Regan will fall for Goneril’s lover Edmund. The jealousy and fear is later demonstrated as Goneril poisons her own sister in order to be with Edmund. The sisters do not realize Edmund manipulated them both, which illustrates Edmund’s remarkable ability to seduce others and cause despair. In contrast, after being blinded, Gloucester understand Edmund betrayed him to simply gain Cornwall’s trust. “Edmund, enkindle all the sparks of nature / To quit this horrid act.” (3.7.86-7). Gloucester comes to terms with Edmund’s betrayal and hopes he will stop manipulating those around him. However, Edmund’s unremorseful attitude allows him to successfully gain power, and thusly, revenge for his lack of recognition during the majority of his