BLINDNESS AND SIGHT KING LEAR

King Lear and sight Lear begins the play as a man who has always made wise decisions. When he decides to divide his kingdom however, it is his first betrayal his ‘old fond eyes’, which have always previously allowed him to see reality and make appropriate decisions. Lear’s level of blindness increases throughout the play, until he goes completely mad and is then able to truly see the truth of what has occurred.

Lear’s initial blindness ‘dearer than eyesight’ (A1,S1,57). ‘hence and avoid my sight!’ (A1,S1,125) ‘Out of my sight!’ (A1,S1,158) ‘still remain the true blank of thine eye’ (A1,S1, ).

Lear’s blindness continues... ‘O reason not the need! Our basest beggars are in the poorest thing superfluous.’ (A2,S4, ) ‘False justifier, why hast thou let her ‘scape?’ (A3,S6,55)

Lear regains his sight ‘A man may see how this world goes with no eyes. Look with thine ears’ (A4, S6, )

Gloucester and sight Gloucester is fooled by his jealous and malicious son Edmund, that his other son Edgar is plotting to take over his place as Earl of Gloucester. Gloucester fails to see the truth that Edgar is, in fact, loyal, and disowns him. Gloucester later has his eyes pulled out by Cornwall for treason. When Gloucester is physically blinded he is able to see the truth and the reality of his situation.

Gloucester’s folly “O my follies! Then Edgar was abused. Kind gods, forgive me that, and prosper him.” (A3,S7,93-94)

Gloucester’s realisation “I have no way, and therefore want no eyes; I stumbled when I saw.” (A4,S1,18-19).

Sound advice “A man may see how this world goes with no eyes. Look with thine ears.” (A4,S6, ).