Edmund's Outlook On Life

In his soliloquy on in Act 1 Scene 2, Edmund tells of his disdain of society and the way it views him. Edmund calls society's customs a "plague", and questions why he should be deprived of his father's estate, which he believes he has a right to inherit, because society is squeamish about the circumstances of his birth. Edmund then continues to show his dissatisfaction with society by challenging the label 'bastard' that society gave him. He bases this challenge on his assertion that he is a noble-minded son of a virtuous woman, and bears a strong resemblance to his father, the Earl of Gloucester. He clearly wants the rank and respect he believes he is entitled to because of these qualities.

Edmund intends to get what he believes is rightfully his, his father's estate, at all costs, as is clear when he says "I must have your land", referring to the land that Edgar stands to inherit from their father. It is evident from what he says about his letter and plan, and from calling nature his goddess, that he believes that the only way to achieve his goals is through means that contradict the laws of his society. By claiming that he only serves the laws of nature, a concept synonymous with anarchy, he believes that he has put himself outside society's laws, and is free to do as he pleases to get what he wants.

Edmund further shows his disdain for society through his contempt of Edgar's status. After stating that he must have Edgar's land, Edmund uses the word 'legitimate' many times, indication his preoccupation with Edgar's legitimacy. This preoccupation is likely to be jealousy and hatred, as having this status gives Edgar a claim to Gloucester's estate, a claim Edmund does not have.