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banished Kent comes back disguised as an ordinary man named Caius. Kent effectively tricks
Lear into letting him continue serving himunder the disguise of Caius.

In his article “Disguise in King Lear: Kent and Edgar” published in Shakespeare
Quarterly, Hugh Maclean argues that Kent “retains that disguise, however, beyond the point
where it would appear necessary; and Shakespeare seems almost to call attention to this fact.”
Maclean points out that even though Cordelia knows Kent’s real identity and King Lear has lost
his power and influence, Kent continues to be in disguise.

“Pardon me, dear madam;
Yet to be known shortens my made intent:
My boon I make it, that you know me not
Till time and I think meet.” (4.7.8-11)
Kent decides that even after King Lear has lost almost everything it is not an adequate time for
him to come forth with the truth. Through his disguise and genuine benevolence Kent is
unknowingly bolstering the status for himself for when he decided to confess the truth. Once
King Lear knows that he was deceived by Kent, Kent will have already established himself as
completely in service of King Lear with absolutely no regard towards his own wellbeing.
Kent’s trick ultimately leads him to being offered a role of leadership within the kingdom.
Although not necessarily planned that way, Kent does fit the description of Palomäki et al.
regarding the reasoning behind why men trick. The fact that through trickery Kent set himself up
to be viewed as loyal and brave gained him the opportunity to rule the land along with Edgar
shows that Palomäki et al. were correct. “I have a journey, sir, shortly to go;/My master calls me,
I must not say no” (5.3.327-328). Ultimately Kent denied the request and remained loyal to King