Chapter Synopsis of King Lear - Study Guide by William Shakespeare

Repulsively, Cornwall gouges out one of Gloucester’s eyes, vowing that he will never see again. The image reminds us of that other great tragic blinding: the self-inflicted wound of Oedipus in Oedipus Rex. The implication of the creation of a vision above and beyond normal sight is the same. Regan encourages Cornwall to tear out the other too. A servant is disgusted by what he sees before him and asks his master to stop. This outrages Cornwall who draws his sword and they begin to fight. A disgusted Regan takes up another sword and kills the servant from behind but he has already managed to wound Cornwall. Cornwall removes Gloucester’s other eye while calls out in misery to his son Edmund to avenge him. It is at this point that Regan takes great pleasure in informing the old man that his bastard son hates him and it was him who he was betrayed by. Finally without the use of his eyes Gloucester is able to see the truth and he is thrown out by Regan. Two servants take pity on him and decide to find a beggar – "Poor Tom" (Edgar) to lead him to Dover.

Act IV, Scene I

Edgar is on stage in the disguise of "Poor Tom" when he sees his blinded father being led towards Dover by an old man. He is deeply moved by the sight of Gloucester and is saddened by the fact that his situation has worsened when he did not think it possible. Gloucester seems stoically resigned to his fate – stating that he has no way to see and when he did have eves he could not see – illustrated by the fact that he believed Edmund’s lies.

Gloucester remembers "Poor Tom" from the hut and recalls that he saw within him something reminiscent of his son Edgar. It is at this point that he realises the totally arbitrary nature of life and fate, stating that "Like flies to wanton boys are we to the Gods, / They kill us for their sport." Gloucester requests that Edgar leads him to Dover stating how sick society had become when a blind man had to be led by a madman. Edgar stays in character whilst leading his father, it is hinted to the audience that Gloucester wishes to be led to the top of the highest cliff in Dover so that he may take his life.

Act IV, Scene II

Goneril and Edmund arrive at the residence of the Duke of Albany only to be informed by Oswald that her husband seems to have changed his loyalties. This angers Goneril who, seeing her husband as a coward decides to take the army under her own control. She sends Edmund off to inform Cornwall also hinting that if he manages to get rid of her husband, she will belong to him. She sends him away with a kiss.

Albany enters and a fight ensues between them. He calls his wife a devil who cannot be trusted in any circumstances, illustrated by the fact that she turned against her own father. She calls him a coward and a fool. Albany is even more disgusted when he hears of what happened to Gloucester and has emerged as a decent individual though married to the vile Goneril. He learns this through a servant who tells them also that Cornwall has died at the hands of his men.

A letter arrives from Regan requesting a swift reply. Goneril states that she is in some ways glad that her brother-in-law died as it means she may have more power. Nonetheless she is sad that her sister is a widow and perhaps jealous that she is alone with Edmund. Albany, effectively changing sides, swears to avenge Gloucester’s loss of sight.

Act IV, Scene III

Kent is at the French camp. We hear that the King of France has had to return home because of important happenings there. When Cordelia read the letter from Kent about her father she was so deeply moved that she cried. Nonetheless Kent refuses to see Cordelia as he is so ashamed of the way in which he has treated her. Kent has not yet revealed himself and asks the gentleman who brings news to honour this decision.

Act IV, Scene IV