Blindness King Lear

In the classic work, King Lear, sight and blindness is a central theme that is seen throughout the entire play. This theme houses both literal and figurative meanings. In this tragedy, the idea of sight does not always necessarily refer to one’s inability to physically see, but rather the mental blindness they possess. This is accurate for both Lear and Gloucester; fathers who are unable to see their children for who they truly are. They lack the proper sight to recognize deception from reality: placing loyalty in the hands of those who are not loyal. Comparatively, Shakespeare’s integration of The Fool in this work accounts for the truth and perception, which is absent. The recurring theme of sight and blindness in King Lear is primarily illustrated through the characters of Lear,
His ability to see other people’s true character is severely clouded. He has trouble identifying fact from fiction. He states, “How, how, Cordelia! Mend your speech a little, lest you may mar your fortunes”(1.1.93-94). Here, it is obvious that Lear is unable to see the reality of Goneril and Regan; they cover their true feelings with dramatized professions of love for their father. Lear is blinded by these affirmations and cannot see Cordelia’s authentic love from him. This results in the banishment of Lear’s only loyal child, Cordelia. As the play progresses, Lear begins to gain figurative sight, this, which he previously did not have. He realizes the immoral beings of his two eldest daughters, Goneril and Regan. He states, “O Regan, Goneril! Your old kind father, whose frank heart gave all, - O that way madness lies”(3.4.19-21). Here, Lear has sight beyond the façade Goneril and Regan formerly displayed. He now sees the reality of Cordelia’s love, and her inability to put her feelings towards him into words. Through Lear’s character, one can appreciate that physical sight does not necessarily indicate clear