Note 57 — Chapter XV · 1892. ‘KING LEAR’—‘BECKET.’

One touch, which might escape the superficial, showed the fine, delicate sense of the manager. The scene where Kent is exhibited in the stocks has always suggested something grotesque and prosaic. It was here so dignified in its treatment as to become almost pathetic. I may add here that the deepest strokes of Shakespeare, not being on the surface, are apt to escape us altogether, save when some inspired critic lays his finger on them. The faithful Kent at the close is brought to his master’s notice, who does not recognise him. Here Lamb points out how noble is Kent’s self-sacrifice in not bringing himself to the King’s recollection.