Scene 1; Edgar believes his fortunes has reached their lowest possible ebb. He believes that anything that happens from this point will change for the better. Gloucester appears lead by another old man and Edgar now relises that in fact this is not true. Gloucester plans to go to Dover where he will jump off a high cliff and Edgar consents to guide him.
Scene 2; Edmund and Goneril meet and Oswald brings news of Albanys odd reaction to Gloucester. Goneril interprets this behaviour as “cowardice in the face of the french invasion” Before Edmund leaves to warn Cornwall to prepare his army, she declares her love for him and hints she will call on him to murder Albany. Albany and Goneril argue over her cruelty towards Lear and a messenger delivers to news of Gloucesters blinding and Cornwalls death. Albany is horrified but Goneril is excited. She thinks she and Edmund will now be able seize Regans part of the kingdom. However she is also troubled by the thought that Regan may steal Edmund from her, now that Cornwall is dead.
Scene 3; Kent arrives at the French camp but the French king has be recalled to France. Cordelia remains in England. Cordelia is stressed over the plight of her father. Lear refuses to she her through sheer guilt. Albany and Cornwalls forces are appoaching.
Scene 4; Cordelia sends her soldiers to search for Lear, who is wandering aimlessly in the countryside. A doctor comforts her with the reassurance that Lear can be cured with relaxation and rest. A battle is about to commence between Cordelias forces and England.
Scene 5; Regan is looking for evidence of Gonerils and Edmunds affair. Regan tells Oswald that she and Edmund are lovers and that because she is already a widow she is more likey to marry Edmund. Oswald now eagerly joins the hunt for Gloucester, on Regans instruction, because she knows Gloucester may turn public opinion against the lovers.
Scene 6; Edgar has lead Gloucester to some fields near Dover. He tells his father that they have climbed to the top of a cliff. Gloucester, believing this to be true gives Edgar a jewel and then jumps off and faints.[no cliff] When he revives he is greeted by Edgar who pretends to be a peasant who say Gloucester fall. Edgar convinces Gloucester that his survival is a miracle and a sign from gods that they want him to live. As a result Gloucester determines that he must endure his suffering until the gods decide that he should die. Lear appears and talks about hypocrisy and all humanity is guilty of sin.[going insane] When one of Cordelias men try take him in charge he flees. Oswald appears, delighted to have found Gloucester. Before he can murder the blind man, he is attacked by Edgar and killed in the course of their duel. Oswald asks Edgar to take the letter he is carrying to Edmund. Goneril confirms her plot with Edmund to murder Albany. Edgar vows to inform Albany.
Scene 7; Cordelia has finally rescued her father, who is resting. Lear begs for her forgiveness. The battle will begin and Edgar is leading his Cornwalls troops.
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