weaker, and can even be stronger, than that of a legitimate child: "And we see that in most of these women habit soon gives rise to a bastard affection, stronger than the natural" (154). Indeed bastard children such as Edmund, are naturally conceived by humans free of the social title and contract of marriage. Their entrance into the world, unconfined by the restraints of social values, generates perhaps more naturally recognized love than the love necessitated by the conformity of the social family structure.
             Edmund argues this very point, "Legitimate Edgar I must have your land/ Our father's love is to the bastard Edmund" (16). Edmund embellishes each name with the terms of society to point to their meaninglessness. "Bastard Edmund" deserves from natural love what social contract promises "legitimate Edgar." Edmund must acquire this wealth through covert crime because cultural values restrain natural proclivities. The conflict between natural and social law frustrates Edmund and goads his malicious
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