Evaluation:
Published: 08.08.1996.
Language: English
Level: Secondary school
Literature: n/a
References: Not used
  • Essays 'The Theme of Blindness in King Lear', 1.
  • Essays 'The Theme of Blindness in King Lear', 2.
  • Essays 'The Theme of Blindness in King Lear', 3.
Extract

In Shakespearean terms, blinds means a whole different thing. Blindness can normally be defined as the inability of the eye to see, but according to Shakespeare, blindness is not a physical quality, but a mental flaw some people possess. Shakespeare's most dominant theme in his play King Lear is that of blindness. King Lear, Gloucester, and Albany are three prime examples Shakespeare incorporates this theme into. Each of these character's blindness was the primary cause of the bad decisions they made; decisions which all of them would eventually come to regret.
The blindest bat of all was undoubtedly King Lear. Because of Lear's 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. Lear's first act of blindness came at the beginning of the play.

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