Edmund and Self knowledge

[Sarah32]

"In a play with so many characters who lack self knowledge Edmund's tragedy is that he knows himslef well, anmd yet he is still a villian. Defend or destroy this thesis"

So far I've been agreeing with this thesis but is it not women that is his downfall. How is having knowledge his downfall? im confused =(

[Theaprof]

You might consider the difference between general knowledge about the world and self knowledge. Self knowledge refers to an individual's ability to accurately assess one's own strengths or weaknesses, emotional or mental states, ethical or moral behavior, etc. If you look at Act One, scene 2, you'll find that Edmund reveals something about self knowledge as he describes his own character. This might also give you some idea about how Edmund's own character could play a more important role in his downfall than Goneril or Regan.

[Ian G]

Edmund is well on the way to disaster before involvement with Lear's daughters.

[Sarah32]

Thank you for your help =)
What exactly is Edmunds downfall?
I dont see how if he has knowlegde of himself that, that woudl be his downfall.

[Ian G]

Edmund's downfall refers to his fall from power and his death through brother Edgar.

Early in the play, 'knowledge of himself' allows Edmund to act in a radical and hazardous way, leading eventually to his downfall.

[thinkinglady]

I agree that Edmund's fatal flaw is his own doing. Self knowledge does not necesarily mean redemption. He was consistently obsessed with his own interests, sadistic even, like Iago,with no compassion or moral values. Self knowledge devoid of noble qualities deprives Edmund of a "tragic" or "heroic" stature.

[Ian G]

Originally Posted by thinkinglady

Self knowledge devoid of noble qualities deprives Edmund of a "tragic" or "heroic" stature.

Is there not something tragic in Edmund's dying boast?

Edmund.____Yet Edmund was belov'd.
The one the other poisoned for my sake,
And after slew herself.