The Downfall of Edmund Through Power in King Lear
The Downfall of Edmund Through PowerPower and domination play significant roles in maintaining the basic structure upon which society is built. The position of or incentive for gaining authority often leads to the destruction of morals and can determine the path of ones life. Power and its influence can control the political, social and financial dominance of a person or character. In William Shakespeare's King Lear, power plays a major role in directing the path which a character's life takes. It is Edmund's inheritance and lust for power that transforms his character and ultimately leads to his downfall. Before Edmund obtains power, his life style was well off, but upon the acquisition of power he becomes greedy, self involved and unmerciful and in the end he has no one and nothing. Ultimately, the result of gaining such power destroys his morals, character and becomes the foundation of his death. Although Edmund is socially branded as an illegitimate son, and recognized as being at the base of society, he has not yet become corrupt by the means of holding power. Before obtaining any such authority, Edmund is known as the typical well-spoken, polite young gentleman. He is considered to be as much a son of Gloucester, his
This response would be a characteristic of one who is civilized and legitimate not from one whom is considered illegitimate and thus uncivilized. Therefore it is apparent that before the inheritance of power, Edmund is a polite, honourable, and well-respected gentleman of peers, as well as a son who has the respect and love of his father. He acknowledges that he has caused pain and suffering to those who once cared and that the greed, selfishness, and merciless has come back to haunt him in the worst way, death. / This seems fair and deserving, and must draw me/ That which my father loses- no less than all. Edmund's father is still unaware that it was in fact Edmund who was the traitor that caused his eyes to be so gruesomely plucked out. Even legitimate Edgar goes against the societal norm and speaks to him in a brotherly manner: "How now, brother Edmund? What serious contem-/plation [sic] are you in?" (I. Edmund was also introduced to the Earl of Kent, a loyal servant to King Lear and was told by Gloucester to "Remember him hereafter as/ My honourable friend" (I. Edgar now knows that Edmund is evil, deceitful and capable of performing any task to support his cause. He realizes that without the strength of power on his side, he is destined for the impoverished life of a bastard.
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