The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 13.1311  Tuesday, 14 May 2002

From:           Edmund Taft <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date:           Monday, 13 May 2002 11:13:35 -0400
Subject:        Edgar and Edmund

Larry Weiss goes to great lengths to defend Gloucester.  Why, I wonder?
Gloucester's view of women is much like Lear's: "Do you smell a fault"
says it all. Also, like Lear, Gloucester uses his power and position to
advantage, so while the woman in question could have been Gloucester's
equal, the odds are against it. Gloucester may think that there was
"great sport" in the making, but that's an old male line: "she really
'enjoyed it.'"

Michael Shurgot's comments are more substantive. It adds to his argument
to note that Goneril suggests the punishment of Gloucester and then
Regan helps her husband carry it out.  I also think that Michael is on
to something when he traces a pattern of abuse in the play: yes, indeed.
And abuse leads to counter-abuse.

I appreciate being called a poet. Unfortunately, I don't have any such
talent.

--Ed Taft

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