KING LEAR Film - Act 4, Scenes 3, 4, 5

Stream on Amazon Prime Episode 11  

ACT FOUR

4.3

Lear’s condition has degenerated severely since Kent sent his message to Cordelia prior to the storm. Now in the storm, circumstances are even more dire and Kent is eager to hear a report of Cordelia.  The First Knight does not just reiterate what has happened, but was so stirred by Cordelia’s reaction that he becomes entranced in the memory and relives the moment.  Despite the devastating exchange when they last parted, Cordelia is deeply moved by the news of her father’s failing health.  Both Kent and the Knight find relief and even hope in the fact that despite the betrayal, a loving bond still endures. 

4.4

When Cordelia receives the letter describing Lear’s madness, we witness her internal struggle.  She has become a Queen and is now preparing for battle against her own people.  She is strong in the first scene, but now has gained a different, deeper kind of strength.  She has gained maturity and gravitas through responsibility, yet we are also privy to her vulnerability as she is faced with news of her father's poor health.

Despite having been rejected and disowned at their last meeting, her reaction here is purely one of love.  Cordelia is heartbroken to learn that her father has endured such vile treatment from her sisters and that he is now suffering under the crushing weight of madness.  Notwithstanding the distress this news causes her, the letter is also confirmation that Lear has been looking for her; it offers her hope.  She is upset and turns to the Doctor for council, yet also channels her energy into taking action. S he is mindful of the dangers of the coming battle, but she finds strength in the anticipation that her father will be rescued soon and reconciliation will follow.

4.5

With the country at war, Cornwall dead, Lear deposed, and Gloucester banished, the balance of power in the kingdom is now even more uncertain.  Newly widowed, Regan finds herself powerless and brutally alone.  Battle approaches and she knows that Albany is no warrior.  His idleness may lead to defeat for the entire army and an unmarried woman has little means to act.  She knows she must secure a claim for herself as quickly as possible.  Marrying Edmund, the new Earl of Gloucester, is her best chance of regaining stability and influence.  However, Regan is all too aware that this is much more difficult to attain if her cunning and audacious sister is standing in her way as she suspects.

When Regan questions Oswald, she is seething with fear, jealousy, and suspicion.  Regan knows Goneril’s ambition and ruthlessness better than anyone and is certain she knows what the letter contains. She is on the verge of panic and cannot allow her sister to take away her last and only opportunity for security.  Oswald, ever loyal, continues to feign bewilderment, although they both know what the letter contains and knows the other knows.  Regan briefly tries to seduce Oswald but her anger and desperation quickly surface in almost manic laughter.  She is too distressed to maintain the impression of sweetness, and can barely control the fury and viciousness underneath.  Though Regan is in a more precarious position than her sister, her desperate confrontation with Oswald is a reminder that the British royalty has become divided internally and the stakes have become life or death for everyone, as they all desperately pursue their own interests while Britain teeters on the verge of collapse.