King Lear :: essays research papers

King Lear – Theme Of Blindness William Shakespeare In Shakespearean terms, blindness means a whole different thing. Blindness can normally be defined as the inability of the eye to see, but according to Shakespeare, blindness is not only a physical quality, but also a mental flaw some people possess. One of Shakespeare’s dominant themes in his play King Lear is that of blindness. King Lear, Gloucester, and Albany are three prime examples, of how Shakespeare incorporates the theme of blindness into the story. Each of these character’s blindness is the primary cause of the bad decisions he makes; decisions which all of them will eventually come to regret. King Lear is a character who is most affected by blindness. Due to Lear’s high position in society, he is supposed to be able to distinguish the good from the bad; unfortunately, his lack of insight prevents him from doing so. Lear’s first act of blindness comes at the beginning of the play. First, he is easily deceived by his two eldest daughters’ exaggerated declarations stating: â€Å"Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter; Dearer than eye-sight, space, and liberty; Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare; No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour; As much as child e'er loved, or father found; A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable; Beyond all manner of so much I love you.† (I.I.56-63) Lear is unable to see the reality of Cordelia’s true love for him when she says: â€Å"Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave My heart into my mouth: I love your majesty According to my bond; nor more nor less.† (I.I.96-98) As a result, Lear banished Cordelia from his kingdom with the following words: â€Å"..................................for we Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see That face of her again. Therefore be gone Without our grace, our love, our benison.† (I.I.290-293) Lear’s blindness also causes him to banish one of his loyal followers, Kent. Kent is able to see Cordelia’s true love for her father, and tried to protect her from her blind father’s irrationality. After Kent is banished, he created a disguise for himself and is eventually hired by Lear as a servant. Lear’s inability to determine his servant’s true identity proved once again how blind Lear actually is. As the play progressed, Lear’s eyesight rea ched closer to 20/20 vision. He realized how immoral his two eldest daughters really were after they locked him out of the castle during a tremendous storm.