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 is able to easily.
trick his brother and is intelligent than Edgar.
In comparing Goneril and Reagan to Edmund, we find that Edmund is once again the.
more crafty and intelligent. By the end of the play we see that their plots are going to hinge on.
his course of action and that they are both doting on him. He has one willing to kill her.
husband and the other willing to give him all of her land and a title. Given their natures, it is.
almost a surprise that the author has not portrayed them as creatures similar to the witches in.
Mac Beth. Edmund knows who they are and it is doubtful they could be physically attractive.
to him, yet they choose to believe the sincerity of his overtures. His ability to dupe them.
shows him to be their superior.
When Edmund covets Edgar's inheritance, it is not simply the coveting of land and.
title; it is a coveting of respect in the social order of his world.
