King Lear Film Act 1 Scene 2

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Failing to secure his fortune on the road, Edmund intends to steal his brother Edgar's inheritance and usurp his father Gloucester's authority, killing both if necessary.

1.2 

Edmund is confident, charming, and incredibly shrewd, but remains hindered by his status as the illegitimate son. He is contemptuous of his station in life, but does not act rashly out of hatred; rather he is fiendishly thoughtful in his ambition. He is willing to risk everything to deceive his father and brother and gain power for himself, and therefore takes nothing for granted. Edmund’s monologues are not complaints, nor are they boasts. He is superior, but does not seek praise or admiration for his cunning, lest he hinder his success. Instead, he meticulously works through his own thoughts, planning for every eventuality, and sarcastically expressing contempt for society in the process. He is not plotting revenge against Gloucester for unwittingly humiliating him in the opening scene. His decision to pursue his father’s title has been made prior to his return to the kingdom. His father behavior only makes him more eager to finally carry out what he has so carefully planned for. 

 Second only to Iago in cunning and acting-prowess, Edmund commits wholeheartedly to his life or death scheme. The events leading up to Edgar’s condemnation and exile do not come easily nor unfold miraculously. Edmund is an incredible actor and keen judge of other’s behavior, but he must work hard at it. Edmund places his entire life on the line and has to earn his survival every step of the way. Gloucester is credulous, suspicious, and oblivious to his son’s contempt. Hoping for something entertainingly salacious, Gloucester pesters Edmund for a look at the letter. Despite his preoccupation with the division of the kingdom, he approaches Edmund playfully and does not suspect anything malicious. Gloucester is shocked, confused, and above all hurt to think that his beloved son would so desire him dead. He struggles to comprehend what he has just read and hesitates to accept it as truth, but Edmund’s display of fear and reticence succeeds in driving his father toward reluctant belief.  Gloucester is furious and vengeful, yet his anger is tinged with self-doubt and the pain of betrayal. 

Just as he is he is nervous and flustered with Gloucester to arouse suspicion, Edmund is wildly fearful to bewilder Edgar. He replaces his usual confidence with panic. The unusual nature of Edmund’s behavior does not arouse suspicion, rather Edmund uses it to his advantage as he arouses concern in Edgar and draws him in to his performance. In these parallel deception scenes, Edmund acts out of what appears to be genuine concern for each man’s well-being, convincing brother and father alike that they should be concerned for themselves, damning them both in the process. Rather than attempting to control their thoughts and behavior, Edmund masterfully controls his own behavior and emotions, leading his prey gently but effectively toward the slaughter.

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