Edgar probably assumed this disguise because Tom O’Bedlam is an actual human being who Edgar can relate to. I’m not saying Edgar is crazy, because I don’t believe that to be the case. He can relate to Tom because they are both running away from something. This disguise also allows him to sneak around efficiently and without detection, because he has tried to blend himself in with the woods. If anyone finds him, they’ll probably assume he is the crazed Tom O’Bedlam himself, and leave well enough alone. I feel for Edgar- mostly because he has done nothing wrong and is forced to flee his home. We have now established that he is certainly an intelligent character, and has discovered Edmund’s plot. How he will circumvent it, I am not sure… but by assuming this disguise he also remains loyal to his father’s wishes. He is no longer inside the castle, but will do his best to right Edmund’s wrongs.
Edgar is a compelling character, and clearly he will become important in the second half of the play. He is one of the more honorable characters, and parallels Cordelia. He cannot be disloyal to his father, even when his own life is in danger. Assuming the disguise of a madman is a risky venture, because he runs the risk of being thrown into an asylum. While most people would probably be too afraid to act on seeing Tom O’Bedlam, but if Edgar were to be caught by the authorities, it would not end peacefully. I am interested to see where Shakespeare takes Edgar through the remainder of the play. It may end up that he and Cordelia suffer similar fates.
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