Shakespeare's play "King Lear" is of a man's journey, from egotistical to spiritual, from folly to truth, from fear to love, from power over to power within. It is a vast journey, of a man's transformation. Suffering is one of the heavy themes in this play. Two of the major characters go through this process, Lear and Gloucester. For both characters suffering was a painful process. It was a time of confusion and loss of direction. It was a time of chaos.
             At the beginning Lear is projected as an old but honorable man. He is strong in his authority and he is a man of order. But soon it is demonstrated that underneath Lear's robes he is insecure. Seeking flattery from his daughters in an artificial manner
             Since now we will divest us both of rule,
             Interest of territory, cares of state
             Which of you shall we say doth love us most"
             Lear believes that who he is, is his possessions, his clothing, his land, and most importantly he believes who he is his power. All this is personified in his use of the word "we". Beyond all this Lear uses his material power somehow as a measure of love and greater truth. Lear's misunderstandings and false beliefs cause him to take action against those who are really true and loving (ie Kent and Cordelia). Setting the scene for a tragedy.
             Gloucester, being part of the subplot, is a mirror of Lear, yet his suffering derives more from his general gullibility. Like Lear, Gloucester fails to see things the way they really are and makes strong decisions from this point of view. Gloucester is blind in a figurative sense he fails to see Edmund's trickery and like Lear turns against his truly honest and loving son Edgar.
             As the play progresses Lear's material security is gradually broken down, his followers weaken and eventually he takes his place out in the storm. Lear enters the realm of suffering. Chao
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