Blindness in "King Lear" A reoccurring theme in Shakespeare's "King Lear" is the theme of blindness. Blindness in today's society is generally interpreted as the inability of the eye to see. In Shakespearian terms, blindness is not a physical state of being, but rather a temporary mental flaw. The theme of blindness in "King Lear" is clearly shown through the actions of Albany, Gloucester, and King Lear. Albany suffers from the classic case of blindness. Albany is blinded by love. Although Albany disagrees with Goneril's cruel actions towards her father, he only half-heartedly argues his case against her. Albany's fear of upsetting Goneril is exemplified in his response to her demand that Lear dispose of his knights. "I cannot be so partial, Goneril, To the great love I bear you" (I, iv, 309-310). Albany is unable to behold Goneril's evil intentions because of his deep devotion and love for her. Goneril is cruel and deceitful and merely flatters her father with lies, yet, Albany is visionless and does not observe her wretched personality. Albany is also unaware Goneril is cheating on him with Edmund, as well as, plotting to kill him. It is not until Albany receives a note from Edgar, outlining Goneril's evil intentions, that he regains his sight. Finally, Albany realizes Goneril is not the woman he thought she was. Albany discerns she is a heartless, lying, adulterer. Albany finally reveals his emotion saying, "O Goneril, You are not worth the dust which the rude wind Blows in your face" (IV, ii, 29-31) and "See thyself, devil! Proper deformity shows not in the fiend so horrid as in woman" (IV, ii, 59-61). Albany is able to overcome his blindness without suffering severe losses and lives to become ruler of Lear's kingdom. Gloucester is another character Shakespeare uses to promote his theme of blindness. Gloucester is deceived by his son Edmu...