King Lear: Themes Many themes are evident in King Lear, but perhaps one of the most prevalent relates to the theme of justice. ... When reading King Lear, it is helpful to understand the Elizabethan "Chain of Being" in which nature is viewed as order. ... King Lear's sin was that he disrupted this chain of being by relinquishing his throne. ... King Lear holds firm to his belief that the world is governed by the gods and in justice. ... On the same note, Lear also seems to order his goddess, Nature, as though he is in control. ...

• Word Count: 1734
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

King Lear's blindness is introduced early on in the play. ... The internal conflicts that were present in King Lear also served to highlight the theme of blindness and power. ... Fortunately, Edgar revealed Goneril's evil intents to Albany with a note outlining her deceitful plans. ... Like King Lear, Gloucester was unable to clearly see who his good and evil children were. ... Like King Lear, Goucester did not realize their mistake until it was too late. ...

• Word Count: 1503
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

Physical sight as opposed to the metaphorical sight of truth is a pivotal theme in King Lear by William Shakespeare. ... It is also important to note that Gloucester's eyes are bleeding at this point in the play. ... And with this final knowledge and final opening of his eyes, King Lear dies. Clearly the images of sight and blindness are central to the story of King Lear and to the character development of Gloucester and King Lear himself. ... All quotes taken from King Lear: A Conflated Text, The Complete Pelican Shakespeare, ed. ...

• Word Count: 1839
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School