King Lear - Theme of Blindness Essay -- essays research papers

King Lear - Theme of BlindnessIn Shakespearean terms, blinds means a consentient different thing. Blindness can normally be defined as the inability of the eye to see, but according to Shakespeare, blindness is not a natural quality, but a mental flaw some people possess. Shakespeares most dominant theme in his play King Lear is that of blindness. King Lear, Gloucester, and capital of New York are three prime examples Shakespeare incorporates this theme into. Each of these characters blindness was the primary cause of the good-for-naught decisions they made decisions which all of them would eventually get laid to regret. The blindest bat of all was undoubtedly King Lear. Because of Lears high position in society, he was supposed to be able to distinguish the good from the bad unfortunately, his lack of sight prevented him to do so. Lears first act of blindness came at the beginning of the play. First, he was easily deceived by his two eldest daughters lies, then, he was unable to see the reality of Cordelias true love for him, and as a result, banished her from his kingdom with the following words ..................................for we Have no such daughter, nor shall invariably see That face of her again. Therefore be gone Without our grace, our love, our benison. (Act I, Sc I, Ln 265-267) Lears blindness also caused him to banish one of his loyal followers, Kent. Kent was able to see Cordelias true love for her father, and tried to protect her from her blind fathers irrationality. After Kent wa...