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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...