Scene II

A field between the two camps.

	Alarum within. Enter, with drum and colours, King Lear, Cordelia, and Soldiers, over the stage; and exeunt.
	Enter Edgar* and Gloucester.*
Edgar	Here, father, take the shadow of this tree For your good host; pray that the right may thrive: If ever I return to you again, I’ll bring you comfort.
Gloucester	Grace go with you, sir! Exit Edgar.
	Alarum and retreat within. Reenter Edgar.
Edgar	Away, old man; give me thy hand; away! King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta’en: Give me thy hand; come on.
Gloucester	No farther, sir; a man may rot even here.
Edgar	What, in ill thoughts again? Men must endure Their going hence, even as their coming hither; Ripeness is all: come on.
Gloucester	And that’s true too. Exeunt.

Companion

Previously

Act 5, Scene 1: Regan questions Edmund about Goneril, while Goneril privately places her claim to him above victory in battle. Albany agrees to resist the French invasion, and the disguised Edgar gives him a letter with an offer to produce a champion. Alone, Edmund admits promising love to both sisters and plans to prevent Albany's intended mercy for Lear and Cordelia if they are captured.

Who's who so far

Kent Acknowledged and thanked by Cordelia, he asks her to preserve his disguise while his purpose remains unfinished and stays to discuss the approaching battle.
Gloucester After Edgar deceives him into believing he has survived a fall from a cliff, he resolves to endure suffering and is protected by his still unrecognised son when Oswald attacks.
Edmund Having sworn love to both sisters, he plans to use Albany for the battle, leave Goneril to arrange her husband's death and prevent mercy for Lear and Cordelia if they are captured.
King Lear Waking under the Doctor's care, he gradually recognises Cordelia, admits his foolishness and asks her to forget and forgive.
Cornwall A messenger reports that he has died from the wound inflicted by the servant who opposed Gloucester's blinding.
Albany He distinguishes resisting the French invasion from opposing Lear's grievances and receives a letter from the disguised Edgar with an offer to produce a champion.
Goneril Her aside declares that she would rather lose the battle than let Regan separate her from Edmund.
Regan She questions Edmund about Goneril, asks him to avoid intimacy with her sister and insists that Goneril leave with them.
Cordelia She tends Lear as he wakes, confirms that she is his daughter and answers his admission that she has cause to resent him with forgiveness.
King of France The Gentleman reports that urgent affairs of state have recalled him to France, leaving Monsieur La Far in command.
Burgundy Cordelia's suitor, who withdraws when Lear refuses to give her the marriage portion he had offered.
Edgar Still disguised, he gives Albany the letter and promises to appear again when a herald calls for him.
Oswald Killed by Edgar after attacking Gloucester for a reward, he asks his killer to deliver the letters he carries to Edmund.
The Knight One of Lear's followers, who reports the household's declining respect for the king and says the Fool has been grieving since Cordelia left.
Fool He plays along with Lear's imaginary trial and is called upon by Kent to help carry the sleeping king to safety.
The Gentleman He finds Lear with attendants who follow the king when he runs away, then tells Edgar that the opposing army is close.
Curan He tells Edmund that Cornwall and Regan are coming to Gloucester's castle and reports rumours of war between Cornwall and Albany.
First servant He has served Cornwall since childhood and is killed by Regan from behind when he fights his master to stop Gloucester's blinding.
Second servant Horrified by Cornwall's cruelty, he proposes following Gloucester and finding the disguised beggar to guide him.
Third servant He condemns Regan's cruelty and goes to fetch flax and egg whites for Gloucester's bleeding face.
The Old Man A longstanding tenant of Gloucester and his father, he guides the blinded earl and promises to fetch clothes for poor Tom despite the danger.
The Messenger to Albany He reports Cornwall's death and Gloucester's blinding to Albany, brings Goneril a letter from Regan and identifies Edmund as the informer against his father.
The Doctor He oversees Lear's waking and advises against making him relive his lost time before his mind has settled further.
The Messenger to Cordelia He brings Cordelia news that the British forces are marching towards the French camp.

Words to know

Alarum: a call to arms or sound of battle
hence: from here; in this speech, out of life
Ripeness: readiness or full maturity; here readiness to meet death

Spoiler-free: these notes only cover what you have read.

Act 5, Scene 2 in brief

The scene opens with battle sounds as Lear, Cordelia and soldiers pass across the stage without speaking. Edgar leaves Gloucester in the shelter of a tree, asking him to pray that right will prevail. Sounds of retreat precede Edgar's return with news that Lear has lost and both father and daughter are prisoners. The battle's result reaches the audience through this brief report rather than a staged contest between the armies. Gloucester's refusal to move renews the despair Edgar has already tried to overcome. Edgar answers by comparing the need to endure death with the experience of birth, and Gloucester accepts the reminder before they leave together.

Key quotes

pray that the right may thrive:

Why it matters Edgar asks Gloucester to pray that moral right and military success will coincide. His report of Lear's defeat shows that this hope has not been fulfilled by the battle.

Nature, fate and responsibilityPower and authority

Men must endure Their going hence, even as their coming hither; Ripeness is all: come on.

Why it matters Edgar presents endurance as necessary at both ends of life. The final command turns his reflection into immediate care for Gloucester, who agrees and leaves with him.

Nature, fate and responsibilityJudgement, folly and madnessFamily love and duty

Themes in this chapter

Family love and dutyNature, fate and responsibilityJudgement, folly and madnessPower and authority

Study notes cover this chapter in full, so they include what happens in it.

Explore the study guide (includes spoilers)