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
Lear, however, is fooled by Goneril and Regan into thinking that they love him, while Cordelia does not. They do not truly love Lear as much as they should. The physical world that the eye can detect can accordingly hide its evils with physical attributes, and thus clear vision cannot result from the eye alone. 66-69)When Gloucester is saying this, he still lacks clear vision, and would never have seen vengeance taken upon Cornwall. Instead, he only saw what was presented to him on the surface. Upon these eyes of thine I'll set my foot. Gloucester's vision can be contrasted with that of Lear. Full oft 'tis seen, Our means secure us, and our mere defects Prove our commodities. Gloucester depicts this theme by demonstrating clear vision, despite the total lack of physical sight. Ironically, Gloucester does not see vengeance until after he is blinded.
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Acceptance Essays
