The Qualities Of Edgar's Suffering

Suffering can often allow individuals to develop advantageous characteristics. These traits can prove to be very useful as people work to put an end to their miseries. Being the only legitimate son of the Earl of Gloucester, Edgar is destined for a respectable amount of wealth and power. However, his timid nature allows his half-brother to easily undermine his position and push him out of Gloucester's favour. In order to escape capture, Edgar disguises himself as a mentally-ill beggar and says: "Poor Turlygod! Poor Tom! / That's something yet! Edgar I nothing am" (2.3.20-21). Edgar admits that he has lost everything because of his wrongful conviction and that a mere beggar has more potential than he does. He undergoes a depressing transition
from being a part of a noble family to becoming an underprivileged commoner. However, Edgar's suffering does not go without merits. After surviving a heavy evening storm, he says: Stands still in esperance, lives not in fear. The lamentable change is from the best; The worst returns to laughter. Welcome then, Thou unsubstantial air that I embrace! The wretch that thou hast blown unto the worst Owes nothing to thy blasts. (4.1.4-9)
Despite having to dress as a half-naked beggar and witness the sad situations of Lear and later on his elderly father, Edgar manages to stay positive. Through his own suffering, he develops a new never give-up attitude and comes out of his dreadful situation as an very optimistic person with a strong heart. Edgar learns a great deal through his suffering and has made a huge leap from his weaker self from earlier on in the play. Only those who have experienced the very worst can learn to appreciate the good in every situation.