![]() ![]() What's more disturbing is Edgar's choice not to tell his father who he is. Maybe that's not surprising, since Edgar has to deal with some pretty traumatic situations in his life. Something about the craziness of this role clearly appeals to Edgar. Edgar gets way more into the role of "Poor Tom" than needed. Of course, survival wouldn't be nearly so important if it didn't mean he got to take revenge at the end of it. Yet Edgar perseveres through hard work, determination, and a reliance on Shakespeare's carefully orchestrated coincidences. He ends up witnessing most of the horrible events of King Lear, and is always the guy to pull a "things can't possibly get any worse!" right before they do. He's stripped of his identity and forced into the lowest possible social position. Unfairly convicted, Edgar has everything good in his life taken away. Now on the run from the law, Edgar decides that the only way to save himself is to disguise as a "Poor Tom," or "Tom O'Bedlam," a kind of crazy man that wanders around begging for food. Edmund, Edgar's illegitimate brother, easily manipulates the trusting Edgar, and succeeds in getting Edgar falsely accused of plotting to kill their father. (Click the character infographic to download.) Ed's (As Good As) Dead, Baby.Įdgar begins the play as the rich and clueless son of Gloucester, one of the kingdom's most powerful men. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |