Chapter Synopsis of King Lear - Study Guide by William Shakespeare

his wife. As Edgar told him to do, Albany orders for the man to come forward who can prove Edmund’s treason and that if no-one comes forward he intends to fight him himself.

Edgar appears disguised as a knight and duels with his brother. Edmund is mortally wounded. As Goneril cries out Albany reveals that he has read the letter that she sent to Edmund, she attempts to defend herself and runs off stage. Just as he dies Edmund confesses to all his sins and more. Edgar reveals himself and Edmund states that "The wheel has turned full circle. I am here." (i.e. Edgar who was so luckless at the start of the play has managed to rise again.) Edgar recounts his story as a madman and consequently how his father died but happily because Edgar revealed himself.

A gentleman rushes in explaining that Goneril and Regan are both dead. Goneril had poisoned her sister and then upset by the death of Edmund confessed all and stabbed herself. Finally Edmund manages in a show of kindness to inform Albany of where he has imprisoned Lear and Cordelia and that he ordered for them to be killed. He redeems himself in this act as best he can, but the outcome is made no less tragic.

Lear enters carrying Cordelia in his arms: she is dead. Her father cannot believe and tries to prove that there is still life in her. He cries out against everyone around him that her death could have been prevented. Kent reveals himself but Lear is too distraught and confused to comprehend what has happened, even when he is told his other daughters have died. Albany claims he will hand all power back over to the King. At this moment Lear dies and Kent says he should be left to pass away; he has suffered enough. Albany requests that Kent and Edgar rule with him but the older man declines claiming that he will soon follow his master. Edgar has leaves us with a poignant and touching speech reflecting the enormity of what has taken place:

"The weight of this sad time we must obey

Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say

The oldest hath borne most; we that are young

Shall never see so much, nor live so long."