THE GODS

“The gods defend her!" A5S3 – Albany 

Albany uses religious imagery as he calls for divine protection, which is ironic as this does not happen. The exclamative highlights the heightened tension and shows Albany’s voice of morality compared to Edmund. 

‘Thou Nature art my goddess, Act 1 scene 2 l12  

Edmund’s declaration establishes nature as his guiding authority against traditional establishments such as primogeniture and elevates natural instincts above divine or moral order which isolates Edmund from the other characters.  

‘These late eclipses of the sun and moon portend no good.’ - Gloucester Act 1 Scene 2

This highlights Gloucester superstitious nature and his traditional beliefs rooted in the old order. The astrological imagery of the sun and moon provides a juxtaposing image and reflect the future conflict between the forces of good and evil. 

“you see me here, you gods, a poor old man” Lear 2.4 

He is shown to believe in a place where the gods still hold justice which is comforting as kings were seen to be protected by gods. The vague “you gods” rather than speaking highly of them shows an entitlement from Lear who wants to be protected by the divine force and choses to use pity over them calling himself “poor” and “old” when in reality he is only one below them on the great chain of being. 

“the gods are just, and of our pleasant vices make instruments to plague us”  Edgar 5.3.168

Edgar using the verb “plague” suggests the actions of the gods, when cruel or evil are for those who deserve them and they are fair. The plural first person pronoun “us” implies Edgar knows the justice of the gods and his faith in them reiterates his kingship. 

‘we make guilty of our disasters the sun, the moon, the stars, as if we were villains on necessity’ 

Edmund is speaking just after Gloucester has blamed the eclipses for the events of the play thus far, representing the old, superstitious beliefs. Edmund completely juxtaposes this by taking responsibility for his own agency. He rejects not just astrology but the idea of a divinely fixed world order. 

“Is there any cause in nature that make these hard hearts?” - King Lear Act 3 Scene 6

A troubled King Lear wonders is there any reason why nature should provide such hard hearts lacking in kindness and compassion to Regan and Goneril. In a mock trial of his daughters, with Edgar and the Fool and Kent as judges, Lear is questioning whether evil is natural and a part of human nature, or whether it comes from somewhere else. In the sentences before this quote, Lear speaks of dissecting Regan to examine her heart. This reflects the plays ongoing tension between divine responsibility and human agency.  

“You see me here, you gods, a poor old man, / As full of grief as age; wretched in both!" 2.4 

Lear uses apostrophe— to address an abstract concept or a divine power. By addressing the "gods," Lear attempts to bypass his daughters, who have failed him, 

highlighting his isolation 

 

“O you mighty gods!” 4.6 36 

Gloucester’s interjection and exclamation convey his desperation. The epithet “mighty” suggests he admires the gods, which is ironic given there is no evidence they exist or, mor importantly, are a good force in the play.