Edward II

The wheel of fortune is another term for fate, or predestination. Many of the downfalls experienced by characters in the play fall occur because the characters naively believe that they can change fate. Edward II believes that he can go on neglecting state business and family relationships to play with Gaveston. Isabella believes she can win her husband’s affection by keeping Gaveston around. Mortimer believes that killing Edward II will simplify the matter, not exacerbate other problems. They all deceive themselves. The wheel of fortune turns on its own, and refuses to be influenced by the petty whims of humans. 

Lightborn’s name is an English translation of Lucifer. At the time, it was believed that Hell consisted of eternal, exaggerated reenactments of one’s crimes. It is significant that Lightborn kills Edward by sodomizing him with a hot poker, highlighting that some elevated form of this agony also awaits him in Hell, to which he is being delivered by a man whose name literally connotes the Devil.