King Lear Ch. 23: The Battle Lines Are Drawn

William Shakespeare

The Battle Lines Are Drawn

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Summary

The British forces are encamped near Dover. Before the battle begins, the rivalries inside the camp are already noisier than anything coming from the French side.

Regan presses Edmund directly: has he been intimate with Goneril? "Have you never found my brother's way to the forfended place?" Edmund denies it. She tells him not to be familiar with her sister. When Goneril arrives with Albany, her aside is flat and honest: "I had rather lose the battle than that sister should loosen him and me."

Albany states his position clearly. He is fighting because France has invaded England: not to vindicate Goneril and Regan's treatment of Lear. He draws a distinction between defending the kingdom and endorsing cruelty. Edmund calls this noble. They agree to settle tactical questions with their commanders and separate.

As they go, Edgar, still disguised, stops Albany. He gives him a letter and instructs him to open it before the battle. If Albany wins, he should sound a trumpet; Edgar promises to produce a champion who will prove what the letter contains. Then he is gone.

Edmund returns and Albany exits. Alone, Edmund speaks plainly about his situation. He has sworn love to both sisters. "Which of them shall I take? Both? One? Or neither? Neither can be enjoy'd, if both remain alive." His plan: use Albany's authority through the battle, then let Goneril arrange his "speedy taking off." As for Lear and Cordelia; whatever mercy Albany intends toward them, Edmund will ensure they never see it. His position requires action, not debate.

The battle is over in a few lines. Lear and Cordelia's forces lose. They are taken prisoner.

Edgar returns to Gloucester under the tree where he left him. "King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en." Gloucester does not want to move. "A man may rot even here."

Edgar will not allow it. "Men must endure their going hence, even as their coming hither; ripeness is all."

Gloucester considers this. "And that's true too."

He takes the hand offered to him and gets up. They move on.

In this chapter: Terms Characters Key Quotes Modern Story

Why This Matters

Spotting Escalating Manipulation

The danger is not one lie but the moment people become chess pieces. Edmund plans which sister to keep and orders Lear and Cordelia eliminated after the battle while Regan and Goneril destroy each other over him.

When someone in your workplace or family pits allies against each other and talks about disposal, treat that as the pattern, not a bad week.

Coming Up in Chapter 24

With Lear and Cordelia captured and Edmund holding all the cards, the final scene will determine who lives and who dies. But Edgar's mysterious letter and promise to appear when called suggests the villain's victory may not be as secure as it seems.

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Original text

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Chapter 23

The Battle Lines Are Drawn

ACT V SCENE I. The Camp of the British Forces near Dover Enter, with drum and colours Edmund, Regan, Officers, Soldiers and others. EDMUND. Know of the Duke if his last purpose hold, Or whether since he is advis’d by aught To change the course, he’s full of alteration And self-reproving, bring his constant pleasure. [To an Officer, who goes out.] REGAN. Our sister’s man is certainly miscarried. EDMUND. ’Tis to be doubted, madam. REGAN. Now, sweet lord, You know the goodness I intend upon you: Tell me but truly, but then speak the truth, Do you not love my…

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Critical Thinking Exercise

10 minutes

Map the Manipulation Strategy

Draw a simple chart showing Edmund's relationships with Goneril, Regan, Albany, and his plans for Lear and Cordelia. Next to each name, write what Edmund wants from them and what he's willing to do to get it. Then identify one person in your own life who might be using similar calculating strategies.

Consider:

•Notice how Edmund views each relationship purely in terms of what he can gain
•Pay attention to how he's willing to eliminate anyone who becomes inconvenient
•Consider whether the person you identified shows early warning signs of this pattern

Journaling Prompt

Write about a time when you realized someone was treating you as a means to an end rather than as a person. How did you recognize it, and what did you do to protect yourself?

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William Shakespeare

The Battle Lines Are Drawn

0:00

0:00 / 0:00

0:00

Study guide

Summary

The British forces are encamped near Dover. Before the battle begins, the rivalries inside the camp are already noisier than anything coming from the French side.

The battle is over in a few lines. Lear and Cordelia's forces lose. They are taken prisoner.

Edgar returns to Gloucester under the tree where he left him. "King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en." Gloucester does not want to move. "A man may rot even here."

Edgar will not allow it. "Men must endure their going hence, even as their coming hither; ripeness is all."

Gloucester considers this. "And that's true too."

He takes the hand offered to him and gets up. They move on.

In this chapter: Terms Characters Key Quotes Modern Story