Connection: Edgar and Joseph

One discinct connection I see in King Lear is between Edgar and Joseph from the Old Testament (and the musical, which I love). They both have special, enviable qualities, were repressed by their brothers but adored by their fathers, and ultimately came out on top; they also both seems to be the characters the audience roots for, the underdogs of their stories. Edgar, one of Gloucester's sons, is first presented as someone not incredibly bright or special, but the one characteristic he holds over his half-brother, Edmund, is his legitimacy, his ability to inherit his father's title. Edmund craves this title, believes he is more deserving than his brother, and tricks him into hiding. Joseph was born with the power to interpret dreams, causing him to be the favorite of his 12 brothers to his old father, Jacob. He was often complimented, not forced to work and given lavish gifts, such as his legendary multicolored coat. Bitter jealously as a result of this led his brothers to sell him into slavery.

After much difficulty for both of them, they eventually had their somewhat happy endings (since most people would argue that King Lear definitely did not have a happy ending). In the final scene, Edgar emerges from hiding to confront his brother and defeat him in a duel; once Edmund is dead, Edgar is reinstated as the Earl of Gloucester. He also informs us that he revealed himself to his father, and overwrought with joy and grief, he died. At the end of Joseph's tale, his talent is discovered by the pharoah of Egypt and he becomes his chief advisor. He also reveals his new, powerful position to his brothers and reunites with his beloved father. Joseph and Edgar both faced adversity but overcame it. Their relationship, once realized, helped me understand King Lear better, and empathize with the characters much more, specifically Edgar himself. Their misery at their forced containments was very clear, and their similarities are almost uncanny.