King Lear (Modern) Act 4, Scene 6
King Lear – Act 4, Scene 6
Edgar pretends to take Gloucester to the cliff, telling him that they are going up steep ground and that they can hear the sea. Gloucester begins to doubt and question Edgar, saying that the ground feels flat and that his speech has improved. He tells Gloucester that they are at the top of the cliff and not to look down because the great height makes him dizzy.
Gloucester enters with Edgar, who is disguised as a peasant
Gloucester The ground seems kind of flat...
Edgar No, it’s so steep! Listen, you can hear the sea.
Gloucester Actually, I can’t hear it.
Edgar You senses must be getting worse because of the trauma of being blind.
Gloucester Maybe. Your voice seems to be different. Your speech is much more elegant than it used to be.
Edgar The only thing different between you and me is my clothes, you see.
Gloucester I think you’re articulate.
Edgar This is the place. Stand still, it’s so scary to look down! I have to stop looking because it makes me very dizzy.
Gloucester Take me to where you’re standing.
Edgar Give me your hand, you’re within a foot of the cliffs edge. I wouldn’t try jumping up and down if I were you!
Gloucester Let go of my hand.
Gloucester hands Edgar another purse
Here’s another purse. There’s a jewel inside that any peasant, like you, would be happy to have. I hope that is just the beginning of a wealthy life you could be having. Now go away. Say goodbye and let me hear your footsteps as you walk away.
Edgar Goodbye sir.
Edgar moves aside
Gloucester Oh mighty Gods! I disclaim this world and all of my troubles. If I could do better and not fight against you, then I would have simply waited until I died naturally. If Edgar’s alive, bless him! Now, goodbye.
Edgar Gone. Goodbye! (to himself) Although, I wonder if it’s possible that he killed himself with his own imagination, since he’s so willing to die. If he was really on the edge of the cliff as he believed, he
Edgar pretends to take Gloucester to the cliff, telling him that they are going up steep ground and that they can hear the sea. Gloucester begins to doubt and question Edgar, saying that the ground feels flat and that his speech has improved. He tells Gloucester that they are at the top of the cliff and not to look down because the great height makes him dizzy.
Gloucester enters with Edgar, who is disguised as a peasant
Gloucester The ground seems kind of flat...
Edgar No, it’s so steep! Listen, you can hear the sea.
Gloucester Actually, I can’t hear it.
Edgar You senses must be getting worse because of the trauma of being blind.
Gloucester Maybe. Your voice seems to be different. Your speech is much more elegant than it used to be.
Edgar The only thing different between you and me is my clothes, you see.
Gloucester I think you’re articulate.
Edgar This is the place. Stand still, it’s so scary to look down! I have to stop looking because it makes me very dizzy.
Gloucester Take me to where you’re standing.
Edgar Give me your hand, you’re within a foot of the cliffs edge. I wouldn’t try jumping up and down if I were you!
Gloucester Let go of my hand.
Gloucester hands Edgar another purse
Here’s another purse. There’s a jewel inside that any peasant, like you, would be happy to have. I hope that is just the beginning of a wealthy life you could be having. Now go away. Say goodbye and let me hear your footsteps as you walk away.
Edgar Goodbye sir.
Edgar moves aside
Gloucester Oh mighty Gods! I disclaim this world and all of my troubles. If I could do better and not fight against you, then I would have simply waited until I died naturally. If Edgar’s alive, bless him! Now, goodbye.
Edgar Gone. Goodbye! (to himself) Although, I wonder if it’s possible that he killed himself with his own imagination, since he’s so willing to die. If he was really on the edge of the cliff as he believed, he