King Lear2

A detailed Summary of King Lear2

In Shakespeare's classic tragedy, King Lear, the issue of

sight and its relevance to clear vision is a recurring theme.

Shakespeare's principal means of portraying this theme is through the

characters of Lear and Gloucester. Although Lear can physically see,

he is blind in the sense that he lacks insight, understanding, and

direction. In contrast, Gloucester becomes physically blind but gains

the type of vision that Lear lacks. It is evident from these two

characters that clear vision is not derived solely from physical

sight. Lear's failure to understand this is the principal cause of his

demise, while Gloucester learns to achieve clear vision, and

consequently avoids a fate similar to Lear's.

Throughout most of King Lear, Lear's vision is clouded by his

lack of insight. Since he cannot see into other people's characters,

he can never identify them for who they truly are. When Lear is

angered by Cordelia, Kent tries to reason with Lear, who is too

stubborn to remain open-minded. Lear responds to Kent's opposition

with, "Out of my sight!," to which Kent responds, "See better, Lear,

and let me still remain" (I.i.160). Here, Lear is saying he never

the total lack of physical sight. Prior to the loss of his eyes,

love with their false love. Lear, however, is fooled by Goneril and

eye. Throughout this play, Shakespeare is saying that the world cannot

Gloucester's vision was much like Lear's. He could not see what was

clear, and he wonders how Gloucester can see without eyes. Although

Regan into thinking that they love him, while Cordelia does not. Kent,

Approximate Word count = 1525
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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