Disguises in King Lear
Disguised characters play an important role in King Lear. Their actions bridge towards broader motifs: such as truth, nature, and family. Edgar, disguised as Poor Tom, contributes a great deal into plot but is also a great example that shows these motifs. His disguise allowed him to change certain events and help others while staying true to character. Edgar disguises himself as a madman, a beggar. He fulfills this role by tearing his royal clothing and used some of the scraps to cover his body. He would intentionally take dirt and rub it on his body and through his hair. " My face I'll grime with filth/Blanket my loins/elf all my hair in knots..."(II.iii.9-10). To go further in disguise he starts to speak like a madman. He speaks as if he's gone through Hell. Sometimes he can be understood, but then there are times when he makes nonsense. He constantly says "Poor Tom's-a-cold throughout act III. The reason behind Edgar's disguise is that he wanted to escape from his father. Gloucester was persuaded by Edmond to believe that Edgar was plotting against the Duke. He was considered a fugitive. Edgar felt that this disguise wa
To King Lear, Poor Tom was able to help and counsel him. Edgar's true character was shown through Poor Tom. If Gloucester had known that Edgar was the madman, all Edgar would've heard was apology from his father. After Poor Tom stated what he once was before turning into a madman, Lear's response was "Thou wert better in a grave than to answer with thy uncovered body. He is able to hear what his father has to say, without the family bond. Also, the Edgar's asides in act IV scene 1 strongly suggest that he has to stay in disguise, but can't seem to get out. As he learns of Gloucester wanting to commit suicide, he feels the need to preserve his life. Edgar's true character was shown through the Poor Tom disguise. Lear realizes that man is nothing without clothing or material items. In this disguise, Edgar doesn't have to live in fear of his father. There were many outcomes to Edgar's disguise.
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