A Look at Shakespeare's Edmund

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ecessary “buttons” to push to cause a rift in the fabric of his family and
A Look at Shakespeare’s Edmund
his society. It shows that he is capable of original and creative thought processes (1.2.28-36).
When Edmund makes a show of hiding the letter from his father, then hesitating to show it to
him further, he shows a deep understanding of human nature (1.2.38-47). Who would not be
intrigued and desire to see it? Who would be capable of crediting him with the writing of the
letter? Edmund has a keen understanding of human nature and an intelligence that excels that
of his father.
Edmund could certainly not be described as naive. Early in the play, we realize that his
brother Edgar is just the opposite, though later he grows wiser due to necessity. In believing
Edmund’s lies that their father is angry with him to the point of accepting the advice to carry a
sword around with him, he displays his poor judgment, eventually causing grave difficulties
for himself and his father (1.2.164-83). In contrasting Edgar and Edmund, we can see that
Edmund is clearly more world-wise and able to create situations to his own advantage. This
lack of naiveté and clear thinking can be seen as a form of intelligence. He i...