Steve answers “Can anyone offer some insight as to how...”

John asked this question about King Lear:

Can anyone offer some insight as to how easily Edmund tricked Edgar into fleeing Glaucester's castle? It doesn't seem realistic. it also doesn't seem realistic how quickly he slips into madness (as opposed to Lear, who progresses toward it).

Steve Edgar slips into madness quickly because he's faking it. Right after he leaves, he almost gets caught, and decides to act like he's insane (Tom of Bed…moreEdgar slips into madness quickly because he's faking it. Right after he leaves, he almost gets caught, and decides to act like he's insane (Tom of Bedlam, if I recall).

My opinion: (1) Edmund is so easily successful because he is so evil-minded and determined (like Iago in Othello for a similar sociopathic character). (2) It also helps that his father falls for it so hard. Dad falls for it because of the shallowness of his understanding of love and loyalty (parallel to Lear's weaknesses) -- a central theme of the play.(less)

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