King Lear: Act II Scene i
Study Guide
1. Explain importance of the brief conversation between Edmund and Edgar at the beginning of this scene.
2. What does Edmund accuse Edgar of planning?
• How does this change Gloucester’s view of Edmund?
3. Regan and Cornwall believe Edmund. They think Edgar is one of King Lear’s unruly knights sent to kill Gloucester. Why do they think Edgar wants to kill his father?
4. How has all of this impacted or change Regan’s relationship with Edmund?
The Elizabethan audiences would have recognized Edmund to be a Machiavellian villain as such villains were very popular during this time period. They see the Machiavellian villain as a person:
• Without moral scruples;
• Totally immersed in a struggle to win power and influence;
• Who is smart and clear-headed. He uses muddle-headedness of the weak around him to achieve his goals.
• Who ignores laws;
• Who has total disregard for civil or moral authority figures;
• Who gains enjoyment and pleasure from manipulating others;
• Is often a very handsome, charming man.
On the back of this sheet, write a paragraph that uses specific evidence from the play to support or disprove the idea that Edmund is a classic Machiavellian villain.
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