The Hamlet Podcast King Lear | Episode 10 - Our Father's Love
Mar 17, 2024
Explore the tumultuous themes of ambition and identity through Edmund's powerful soliloquy. Delve into how his status as an illegitimate child challenges societal norms and traditions. The podcast uncovers the deep conflicts stemming from love and legitimacy in Shakespeare's King Lear, offering a fresh perspective on the nature of bastardy.
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Edmund's Nature Vs Society
- Edmund worships nature over society and tradition to justify his ambition and actions.
- He rejects societal norms that exclude him due to his illegitimacy and instead embraces personal desire and innate qualities.
Challenging Illegitimacy Stigma
- Edmund questions why he must be deemed 'base' or 'bastard' when he shares the same father and similar qualities as Edgar.
- He criticizes traditional morality that brands illegitimates as inferior arbitrarily.
Illegitimates Are More Fierce
- Edmund argues illegitimate children conceived in passion and desire have more vigor and quality than legitimate ones conceived in dull, traditional settings.
- He uses this argument to make his case for inherent superiority despite social rejection.
