Key Scenes Flashcards
The mocks trial
In act III, scene 6, Lear—with his new, exiled “court” consisting of his Fool, Edgar, and Kent—stages a mock trial of his treacherous daughters, Goneril and Regan. On one level, the scene shows, as Kent says of Lear, that “His wits are gone.” Yet it functions as far more than an illustration of Lear’s madness.
While there is humor in referring to the Fool as “sapient” or wise, this “upside down” trial continues to reinforce the Fool’s role as a clear-sighted and practical advisor. From the moment Lear gives away his kingdom in act I, the Fool tells him he is the biggest fool of all. Now the Fool continues as a truth teller, informing everyone that Lear’s Goneril is a “joint-stool.” This both indicates that Lear is addressing a stool and is an accurate insult aimed at Goneril, suggesting she is crude and not refined.
The mock trial is a parody of the justice system, exposing its inherent flaws and the potential for tyranny.Lear, in his madness, arbitrarily assigns punishment, highlighting the arbitrary nature of power and its potential for abuse, highlighted by Gloucester’s blinding in the following scene.
Parody of the Love Test: The trial is reminiscent of the initial love test in Act 1, which Lear used to determine which of his daughters loved him most.The mock trial is a distorted and cruel version of this, highlighting how Lear’s actions have led to chaos and suffering.
The judges:
His role as a judge adds a layer of irony, as he’s a figure of wisdom and reflection, yet also a jester, representing the absurdity of the trial.
Edgar’s role as a ‘learned justicer’ becomes evident in his later actions, particularly his defense of Gloucester.He actively seeks to expose Edmund’s treachery and helps restore some semblance of order to the chaotic events of the play.
