The Earl of Kent
(Play: King Lear)
The Earl of Kent is an interesting character. He remains loyal and is straightforward to the King even when he is banished.
When the King banishes Cordelia in the archetypical scene of the play, Kent sees this as a foolish move and pleads with him to consider his decision. He sees the fury in Lear, when his daughter did not record what he wanted to hear, and knows this is just frustration and a pathetic temper. Kent is trying to prevent Lear from making a ?rash? decision. However, Lear is restrained in his fury, does not listen, and instead banishes Kent as well. The Earl bids his goodbyes and expresses thanks to Cordelia for revealing the truth.
?Reverse thy state,
And in thy best consideration check
This hideous rashness. answer my life my judgement,
Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least,
Nor are those empty-hearted whose diminished sounds
Reverb no hollowness. (Lear, I, 1, 151-156)
In Act I, Scene 3, Kent decides to disguise himself as a servant, and asks for a position as a servant to Lear. He wants to stay loyal, and close, to the King. Kent changes his appearance and accent to fit the role of a servant.
When he offers his service, Lear questions him about his abilities and motives to work for him. Kent answers in a funny manner. As an Earl, Kent speaks in verse, but he changes to prose when he is disguised, as servants are not able to speak in verse. He convinces Lear and is taken on. When Kent is interviewing for the servant position, he acts like a fool. His humourous humour, spoken in Prose, convinces Lear. Kent knows how a fool should behave and tells Lear thence a long list of...
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