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Excerpt from Act 3, Scene 4 in King Lear

EDGAR: Away! the foul fiend follows me! Through the sharp hawthorn blows the cold wind. Humh! go to thy cold bed, and warm thee.

LEAR: Hast thou given all to thy two daughters, and art thou come to this?

EDGAR: Who gives anything to poor Tom? whom the foul fiend hath led through fire and through flame, through ford and whirlpool, o'er bog and quagmire; that hath laid knives under his pillow and halters in his pew, set ratsbane by his porridge, made him proud of heart, to ride on a bay trotting horse over four-inch'd bridges, to course his own shadow for a traitor. Bless thy five wits! Tom 's acold. O, do de, do de, do de. Bless thee from whirlwinds, star-blasting, and taking! Do poor Tom some charity, whom the foul fiend vexes.

use the passage to answer the question
How does the exchange between Lear and Edgar highlight the context of their class differences? How are these characters similar and different despite the different classes they come from? Cite evidence from the text to support your response. Your response should be one paragraph in length.

The exchange between Lear and Edgar highlights the stark contrast in their social classes. Edgar, under the disguise of the poor Tom, portrays a destitute and suffering individual, whereas Lear was once a powerful and wealthy king. Lear expresses shock and disbelief that Edgar, who had previously given away his wealth to his daughters, has been reduced to such a pitiful state. This emphasizes the vast difference in their social standings. However, despite their differing classes, both characters have experienced great suffering and hardship. Edgar describes the torment he has endured at the hands of the "foul fiend" who has led him through fire, flame, and treacherous obstacles. Lear, on the other hand, has been stripped of his power and dignity by his own daughters. This shared experience of suffering creates a common bond between the two characters, transcending their class differences.