So in King Lear, when Egar first enters he says:
"and, speak of the devil, here he comes, right on cue. I’ve got to play the role and sigh like a poor beggar.—Oh, these eclipses predict such disorder. Fa, sol, la, mi."
Does anyone know why he said this and what the meaning behind it?
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Go here and find the act and scene you need. The text of the play is in two columns: on the left is the original Shakespearean English; on the right is the conversion into modern-day English.
It's much easier to read Shakespeare's plays this way!
What role does Edgar feel he has to play? Why? What does he mean by "like a poor beggar"? Is that what King Lear expects of the people around him, that they grovel like beggars? Is that what Edgar THINKS he must do to stay in the King's favor?
In this specific line from King Lear, Edgar exclaims, "and, speak of the devil, here he comes, right on cue. I've got to play the role and sigh like a poor beggar.—Oh, these eclipses predict such disorder. Fa, sol, la, mi."
To understand the significance of this line, it's necessary to dive into the context and symbolism that Edgar employs:
1. "Speak of the devil": This phrase is an idiom commonly used to suggest that the subject being discussed has just arrived or appeared. In Edgar's case, it foreshadows the coming presence of someone he is expecting or referring to.
2. "Right on cue": Edgar comments that the person he was expecting has arrived at the perfect moment, as if following a predetermined script or timing. This phrase implies a sense of predictability or premeditation.
3. "I've got to play the role and sigh like a poor beggar": By mentioning playing a role, Edgar implies that he is aware of the necessity of assuming different identities or disguises in his current circumstances. The reference to sighing like a poor beggar suggests that he will perform and adopt the characteristics of a destitute person. This aligns with one of the play's major themes of disguise and betrayal.
4. "Oh, these eclipses predict such disorder": Here, Edgar alludes to astrological or celestial events, specifically eclipses. In the context of the play, these eclipses serve as omens for great upheaval and chaos. This line indicates that Edgar recognizes the turbulent times ahead, which mirrors the overall atmosphere and impending tragedy of King Lear.
5. "Fa, sol, la, mi": This sequence of musical notes, known as a solfege, does not hold a direct meaning within the context of the line. It can be interpreted as Edgar momentarily expressing his emotions through music or simply adding a touch of poetic charm to his speech.
By combining these elements, Shakespeare characterizes Edgar's understanding of the events unfolding around him and foreshadows the disorder and tumultuous journey he will undertake throughout the play. The line also serves as a glimpse into Edgar's ability to adapt, perform, and navigate the complex world he finds himself in.