King Lear questions on Act 2

1) Show the dramatic importance of Curan's reference to the impending war between the Duke of Albany and the Duke of Cornwall.

Curan's reference to the impending war between the Duke of Albany and the Duke of Cornwall serves as a foreshadow of the upcoming feud between Goneril and Regan. It allows the readers to see that these two sides will soon turn against one another.

2) By what trick does Edmund completely convince Gloucester of Edgar's guilt?

Edmund completely convinces Gloucester of Edgar's guilt by pursuading Edgar to draw his sword, then when Edgar leaves, Edmund cuts himself then tells his father that it was Edgar who cut him. Gloucester believes this because Edgar ran away drawing guilt to himself. Thus, Edgar foolishly played into Edmunds hands by listening to his advice.

3) Comment on the part played by Regan in this scene.

Regan further adds to Edgar's guilt by stating that she received a letter from her sister warning of the bad behaviour of her father's knights and that if Edgar was among them, then he must surely have adopted their abominable ways, so he must be guilty. This further confirmed to Gloucester that Edgar was culpable.

4) What do we learn of Cornwall's character and disposition from this scene?

From the first scene of act 2 it can be gathered that Cornwall is a silent character speaking only when necessary and that he is a strict disciplinarian. He was very interested in making sure that Edgar was being pursued and ensured that if he were caught ' he shall never more be fear'd of doing harm.' This is also the first sign of Cornwalls' cold-bloodedness when exacting justice.