A Consideration of the Way Shakespeare Presents and...

A Consideration of the Way Shakespeare Presents and Develops the Theme of Blindness in King Lear Introduction ============ Throughout ‘King Lear’, Shakespeare uses the play’s characters to make judgements on society using blindness as a metaphor that runs through the play. He does this in a number of ways portraying characters that can be fooled by others’ flattery, or are easily manipulated or deceived, or simply have a lack of wisdom. As well as the horrific physical blinding of Gloucester, blindness is used as a metaphor for characters’ lack of insight, moral blindness, and a lack of perception into other’s needs and interests. Shakespeare illustrates the importance of seeing yourself†¦show more content†¦Unlike Albany, Cornwall has great insight into other characters and uses this to his advantage by manipulating and deceiving others. Cornwall however is morally blind, and unable to see the wrong of his actions. The outcome of Cornwall’s blindness is his death, his own servant turns on him, just as he turned on his host and his king. Shakesp eare illustrates poetic justice, in the downfall of Cornwall. To counterbalance Cornwall’s corruption, Albany grows in moral strength and gains awareness of justice and virtue. Like Albany, Edgar’s character develops throughout the play, he must suffer as Tom O Bedlam to truly understand Edmond’s trickery and more importantly himself. He reverts into a state of oblivion, and denies himself personality, money, food, and his position in society. From this state of nothingness, he builds his character, and so is no longer blind to himself, therefore can more easily start to understand the intentions of those around him. Edgar builds his character to the extent that by the end of the play, Shakespeare illustrates to the audience that he has the most insight and rewards him with the title of King. Lear is blind and irresponsible as father and ruler, he is preoccupied with appearances, he wishes to retain the trappings of majesty without the ‘cares and