Act 2 Scene 1

1. Curan's reference to an impending war between The duke of Albany and the Duke of Cornwall was significant. The conflict caused, rumours assumed, them to be on their way to Edgar's location. This news became a help for Edmund because he then could twist it to appear that they were coming for Edgar. It hastened the process of having a reason to make Edgar flee entirely and instill fear in him so that he can progress with his plot of villainy.

2. Edmund uses a clever trick of action to prove the claims he made earlier. He uses the trick of setting up an image which would only prove believable to his father. He injures and puts blood on himself tells his brother to use his sword before he fled, all of which would only be viewed by his gullible father as 'hard' evidence, and reason to become more passionate about Edgar's supposed villainy. He then fabricates a conversation between himself and his brother with such skill. This villainy he excutes with such skill shows a nack for manipulating his father's character to suit him. He gains his father's love and respect then uses it to his advantage to plot and scheme all manners of evil.

3. Regan played an important part to this scene. From her opening lines she uses sarcasm to provoke Gloucester in thinking about his current misfortune. She refers to Edgar as the one her father named, her fathers godson. She also adds to the believablity of the scenario in the eyes of Gloucester because she relates his behaviour to that of the ones he spends his around. The knights are percieved as bad people who encourage evil, if these are the persons with whom he associates himself, then it is no wonder, she proclaims. Taking Gloucester deeper into his new found hatred of his ligitimate child.

4. Cornwall has become very authoritative in this scene. He believes he has a peak amount of power to execute various decisions as though the kingdom were his own. He acts the part of a king. He passes judgements like Edgar will never again commit evil works saying that his authority, mighty as it is, may be used however it pleaseth Gloucester so that they may apprehend the supposed villain. He hires Edmund into his service believing that Edmund is trustworthy and honest.