Discuss Shakespeare's handling of the concepts of blindness and insight in King Lear The concepts of blindness and sight are not explored by Shakespeare as physical qualities, but rather mental attributes. Blindness in characters exacerbates their ability to understand, causing misjudgement which leads to chaos in the play. ... At the beginning of the play, though Lear has physical ability to see, he is blind in the sense that he lacks understanding. ... He attempts to reason with King Lear on Cordelia's behalf, risking his life; "The youngest daughter does not love thee least,...

• Word Count: 1361
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

King Lear: Comparison and Contrast of Gloucester and Lear The Shakespearian play, King Lear, is more than a simple story. King Lear is a combination of two smaller stories, which overlap and intertwine. The sub-plot, of Gloucester and his sons and the main plot of King Lear and his daughters, enriched the play by comparing and contrasting the two families. ... Cordelia refuses to play Lear's game and as a result, he refuses to give her a portion of his kingdom. ... The final and most important comparison of the play would be that of Lear and Gloucester. ...

• Word Count: 892
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

King Lear In Shakespeare's play, King Lear, Cordelia's refusal to play her part in the love auction set by her father generated the whole plot of the story. ... King Lear's intension was to divide his kingdom among his three daughters depending on how much they care for him. ... When King Lear hears this, he hurries into a pride driven rage by disinheriting and exiling his favorite daughter. ... The lack of flattery on Cordelia's part is misinterpreted by Lear and by others. The King interpreted it as a lack of respect when all his daughter wanted is to be honest. ...

• Word Count: 703
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

In scene I.i, Lear is a demonstration of what it is to be "only human". ... Lear's concern with his own ego is also demonstrated through others" treatment of him. ... While Lear laps up these "low sounds" (In Kent's words), his dearest daughter expresses her knowledge of Lear's character, but her refusal to gratify his ego. ... I believe this demonstrates knowledge of Lear's character as it is a refusal to "play his game", and such a refusal requires confidence which I believe may only be obtained by a knowledge of the "game" which is derived from experience - that is to sa...

• Word Count: 817
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate