It was great ignorance, Gloucester’s eyes being out, To let him live.
(Regan, lines 9–10)
If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor, Preferment falls on him that cuts him off. (Regan, lines 37–38)
Questions:
In each case, support your point with suitable reference to and quotation from the play.
1. What indications are there that Albany is not keen to go to war and why do you think he might feel this way?
2. Why is Regan sorry that Gloucester was allowed to live?
3. How would you describe Regan’s state of mind in this scene? Support your answer with reference to the play.
4. What is your impression of Oswald, based on his behaviour in this scene?
? Writing task
Regan is desperate to read the letter Goneril has sent to Edmund. Write a brief soliloquy Regan might deliver after Oswald has left (you can write it in modern English), in which she imagines the content of the letter and argues that she would be a better wife for Edmund.
