Precisely what makes him powerful as a king incapacitates him for seeing the truth about himself and his kingdom. ... In this essay, I will examine largely the second half of King Lear, and trace what happens to Lear when he learns the truths to which his position as king initially blinded him. ... In many accounts of the play, Lear's education is presented as an unequivocal good, as if there were nothing problematic about his experience. These accounts in effect present private life as simply superior to public life, suggesting that Lear has everything to gain and nothing to lose when ...

• Word Count: 8939
• Approx Pages: 36
• Grade Level: High School