Theme of Blindness in King Lear
In Shakespeare’s play, “King Lear,” there is a reoccurring theme of blindness. Shakespeare’s main way of developing this theme is through the use of his characters Lear and Gloucester. Although Lear can physically see he is morally blind to the other characters as he lacks insight and understanding into others’ intentions. In contrast, Gloucester is physically blinded in the play, but he gains the type vision that Lear lacks. ... Shakespeare has also developed the theme of blindness from his choice of language in the play. By using language that refers to sight and blindness Shakespeare has created ocular imagery. The first way in which Shakespeare has developed the theme of blindness in his play, “King Lear,” is through the character of King Lear. ... King Lear was blind to the fact that it was Cordelia who loved him the most out of his three daughters when she said: “I love your Majesty According to my bond, no more nor less. ... 94-95) It was she who expressed her love for her father in the simplest and truest manner but, Lear failed see this, he was flattered by Goneril and Regan and did not have any insight into what each daughter had said.