King Lear Act IV Scene vi

King Lear Act IV Scene vi
Study Guide

1. In the early part of this scene Gloucester asks Tom to take him to the edge of a cliff where he intends to commit suicide. Tom pretends to do so. Gloucester gives Tom a money purse and sends him away. Thinking he is alone, Gloucester says to himself, “If Edgar Live, O bless him.” Consider this part of the scene and…

… explain what you think Tom feels when he hears this.


… explain why Tom does not reveal himself as Edgar to Gloucester now.

2. Tom/Edgar tells Gloucester that he has survived a great fall, that the gods must have saved him. Why would Tom/Edgar say this?

3. In his madness Lear says to Gloucester, “… for Gloucester’s bastard son was kinder to his father than my daughters got ‘tween the lawful sheets.” IV vi 115.

Is this statement actually true or false?

What is your reasoning for your answer?

4. Where are the British and French armies now?

5. As Edgar leads his father to safety Oswald shows up. Please summarize what happens between Edgar, Gloucester and Oswald.

6. Do you think Edgar did the right thing or was he wrong? Explain your reasons for your answer.

7. What important news does Edgar find in the letter?