Oct 10, 2008

King Lear | Act II, Scenes 2 and 3: Summary and Analysis

Summary
Oswald appears at Gloucester’s castle, and Kent, Lear’s courier, promptly recognizes him as Goneril’s steward whom he had “tripp’d up by the heels” and beaten for his insolent behavior to the King only a few days before. Feigning innocence, Oswald pretends he has never seen Kent. Kent rebukes him harshly and then draws his sword, challenging Oswald to do the same. Edmund enters in response to Oswald’s cries for help. Edmund’s sword is drawn and Kent turns on him, but Cornwall, who has just appeared, orders them to “keep peace.” Regan and Gloucester,...