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
             wants to see Kent again, but he could never truly see him for who he
             was. Kent was only trying to do what was best for Lear, but Lear could
             not see that. Kent's vision is not clouded, as is Lear's, and he knows
             that he can remain near Lear as long as he is in disguise. Later,
             Lear's vision is so superficial that he is easily duped by the
             physical garments and simple disguise that Kent wears. Lear cannot see
             who Kent really. He only learns of Kent's noble and honest character
             just prior to his death, when his vision is cleared. By this time,
             however, it is too late for an honest relationship to be salvaged.
             Lear's vision is also marred by his lack of direction in life,
             and his poor foresigh...