King Lear

The theme of appearance versus reality is a reoccurring one throughout the play of King Lear by William Shakespeare. As Shakespeare demonstrates, nothing is as it seams. There is an evident difference between reality as opposed to appearance. Reality is what is, as opposed to what seams to be. Appearance is a reflection of what is observed, it is an image or interpretation. Appearance is an imagination, while reality is an actual existence. In King Lear there are many characters that appear to be, what in reality, they are not. Since one cannot see into another’s character, you can never identify someone for who they truly are. The following characters present themselves falsely, either to gain an advantage, or to reveal truth; Goneril and Regan, Edmund, and The Fool. These characters’s appear to be what, without a doubt, they are not.

Goneril and Regan first appear to Lear as loving daughters. In reality, they are selfish daughters who deceive their father for their own personal gain. They both trick Lear into believing they love him the most, when in reality it is Cordelia who loves Lear, virtuously, the most. It does not occur to Lear that Goneril and Regan may be exaggerating, or that their profession might be co

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Even though they appeared to be something they were not, soon enough, reality catches up to them and reveals their disguise. Cordeiro

has just harmed him physically. Edmund turns them against each other, causing chaos and destruction in the natural universe. Once Goneril and Regan have what they want, they do not intend on keeping their bond with their father. The Fool uses poetry and song to get his point across to Lear. These characters are not identified for who they truly are. The Fool indicates that Regan’s nature will be no different from Goneril’s. Gloucester and many others are tricked by Edmund’s appearance. Edmund fools both Edgar and Gloucester, destroying both their characters. We see the evil destroyed and we see that justice is served to those who do wrong. They all fool their father’s and all the people around them in order to gain power and money. As well, Edgar’s bravery is rewarded at the end, representing good over evil. Being as selfish as they are each would stop at nothing to gain Edmund rather than lose him to the other.

Approximate Word count = 1256
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

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