situation is usually what we want to see. The reality, what is really going on, is not always

as obvious to the observer. People who cannot penetrate through the superficial

appearance of a situation will see only what they want to believe is true; often, the reality

of a situation is unappealing to the perceiver. These are the circumstances surrounding the

conflict that occurs in William Shakespeare's King Lear. As an audience, you find that

there is a major character flaw in the characters King Lear and the Earl of Gloucester. In

the story, neither of these two men are able to establish the difference, in their minds,

between what people are saying and doing, and what these people's true motives are

behind their actions. This enables Lear and Gloucester to be betrayed by their own blood,

and become isolated from those who have their interests at heart. It is the inability to

differentiate between appearance and reality that causes Lear and Gloucester to fall.

It seems, that in King Lear, appearance, or reputation defines character. Edgar says as

much in soliliquy, when he disguises himself as Poor Tom. As soon as he changes out of

Edmund in his true role as the "bad seed". Lear, unfortunately took much longer to make

his own father Gloucester and his godfather Lear, neither of the two recognise him. It

specifically, you can't accept things at face value, you must search for deeper truths and

powerful. Nevertheless, he is constantly reminded by the actions of Goneril, and Regan,

want of praise and lauding makes Lear very susceptible to persuasion by his evil

blinded, doesn't see that his two daughters are trying to steal his kingdom. Consequently,

hears, both of these men will be deceived over and over again until they are able to get

Some common words found in the essay are:
King Lear, Goneril Regan, Lear Gloucester, IIiv261-262 Lear, Earl Gloucester, Poor Tom, , Subsequently Lear, Iii33-35 Gloucester, Caius Lear, king lear, goneril regan, lear gloucester, words lear, fall king lear, shakespeare's king, feels father, earl gloucester, faithful daughter, fall king, warned lear, shakespeare's king lear,
Approximate Word count = 1160
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)