Duke "A" rebukes Duke"C"

There is an impending war between the Duke of Albany and the Duke of Cornwall, which foreshadows a war between the wives of the two men, King Lear's older daughters, which will take place later on in the play. One can conclude this from the choice of words Curan uses, and the manner in which he leaves it to hang in the air before Edmund; hinting that sooner rather than later Edmund will hear of it.

The villain Edmund formulates yet another bit of trickery upon receiving such news that the Duke of Cornwall was to arrive soon at the castle. This meant a higher power would be on his side if he could get through with his plans. He does it to deceive and convince his father and the others that Edgar has truly become "a villain". He deceives his brother forthwith then injuring himself lies and states that Edgar had done it when he could not get his way. Regan adds even more poison to the already toxic matter. By asking if he stays in the company of her father's "riotous knights" implies she believes the hoax and thinks that Edgar was influenced by the knights in her father's company.

Cornwall shows determination to see that justice is brought to where it is required. He obviously the highest ranking of them all, portrays an air of self confidence and prestige, saying little and only when it is necessary.