Act III Scene vii King Lear

King Lear: Act III Scene vii
Study Guide
Gloucester: “Good my friends consider you are my guests. Do me no foul play, friends”

1. We know from past actions that Cornwall and Regan can be cold hearted and cruel. What are at least two acts of cruelty they have performed up to this point in the play?

2. Gloucester and Cornwall hail from two very different generations. Gloucester is of the old regime where value is placed on respectful treatment and consideration. Cornwall subscribes to the “the means justifies the mean” school of thought. How does this show up in this scene?

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Brutal Reality – The Blinding of Gloucester on the Stage:

When Shakespeare wrote this scene he broke with the convention of the time that had the violence happen off the stage. The audience would simply learn of it through a message or discussion of others on the stage or by seeing the aftermath of the event. Shakespeare wanted the audience to feel the raw savagery and brutality of Cornwall and Regan so he elected to show them blinding Gloucester by plucking his eyes out with their thumbs.

The thread of sight has been carried in a symbolic aspect through the entire play. Here, sight means intelligence, such as when Kent tells Lear, “See better, Lear.” Gloucester’s blinding leads him to a new level of understanding and insight concerning Edgar and Edmund. His realization comes in a blinding flash.
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There are several cases where justices has been derailed and the treatment of someone is inappropriate for their behavior. Briefly mention them here:
Cordelia –

Edgar –

Gloucester –

Why does Cornwall pluck out Gloucester’s eyes?

Explain the realization Gloucester comes to concerning Edmund and Edgar.

Why does Regan kill the servant?

What predictions can you make concerning Regan and Cornwall?