Failing to secure his fortune on the road, Edmund intends
to steal his brother's inheritance and his father's authority, killing both if
necessary.
Shakespeare presents problems in performing this scene. In general, it needs editing, especially for Gloucester. The point is made and made and made. Edmund’s speech is too pat. Everything in the scene is so convenient, so set-up. Edmund finishes his speech just before Gloucester’s
entrance. Edgar enters after Edmund’s
next long speech.
The scene rarely works because Edmund is so certain of
succeeding. There is no sense of what is
at stake here. First, of course, is
Edmund’s entire future-- either as the heir apparent or a wanderer with no
prospects. Second, we never get the
sense that Edmund is putting his very life on the line. If the scheme fails, if Gloucester doesn’t
believe it, or insists on seeking Edgar out, or if Edgar is determined to seek
out Gloucester, Edmund’s life is worth nil and he would have to abscond
immediately – a pursued criminal. Events must not unfold miraculously one after another. Edmund must make things happen, but he
assumes nothing. He can’t possibly be
certain how Gloucester, and then Edgar, will react. Edgar finally flees in terror and disarray,
but Edmund must sweat and earn Edgar’s flight.
