King Lear, Act 4, Scene 2 summary
Act 4, Scene 2 of 26 · 4 min to read the scene
In Act 4, Scene 2, Goneril sends Edmund to command troops and clashes with Albany, who condemns her treatment of her father. A messenger reports Cornwall’s death and Gloucester’s blinding, prompting Albany to promise revenge, while Goneril fears her widowed sister may disrupt her plans involving Edmund.
What happens
- Oswald reports that Albany welcomes the invading army’s arrival and rejects his account of Gloucester’s treachery.
- Goneril gives Edmund an affectionate token and sends him back to lead forces, with Oswald carrying messages between them.
- Albany condemns Goneril’s cruelty toward her father, while she mocks his restraint and demands action against France.
- A messenger reports that Cornwall dies from a servant’s wound, but Gloucester loses both eyes.
- Goneril receives her sister’s letter and fears that her sister’s widowhood threatens her plans involving Edmund.
- The messenger identifies Edmund as his father’s accuser, and Albany vows to avenge Gloucester.
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In this scene
What to notice
Albany moves from condemning cruelty to declaring a purpose. His promise places him against those responsible for Gloucester’s suffering.
Quick check
What causes Cornwall’s death?
Cite this page
“King Lear, Act 4, Scene 2 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026, libraryofalexandria.com/pages/king-lear-act-4-scene-2-summary.
Library of Alexandria. (2026). King Lear, Act 4, Scene 2 summary. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/king-lear-act-4-scene-2-summary
“King Lear, Act 4, Scene 2 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/king-lear-act-4-scene-2-summary.
@misc{king_lear_act_4_scene_2_summary_2026,
title = {King Lear, Act 4, Scene 2 summary},
publisher = {Library of Alexandria},
year = {2026},
url = {https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/king-lear-act-4-scene-2-summary}
}
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