King Lear, William Shakespeare
King Lear, William ShakespeareThe Importance of �Sight� in King Lear
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 foresight, his inability to predict the consequences of
his actions. He cannot look far enough into the future to see the
consequences of his actions. This, in addition to his lack of insight
into other people, condemns his relationship with his most beloved
daughter, Cordelia. When Lear asks his daughters who loves him most,
he already thinks that Cordelia has the most love for him. However,
when Cordelia says, "I love your Majesty/According to my bond, no more
nor less" (I.i.94-95), Lear cannot see what these words really mean.
Goneril and Regan are only putting on an act. They do not truly love
Lear as much as they should. When Cordelia says these words, she has
seen her sisters' facade, and she does not want to associate...
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