He is used primarily to show Lear the folly of his own ways. ... middle and gav'st away both parts, thou bor'st thine ass on thy back o?... However, as it is offered not as a rival to his own ideas, but as the disinterested observation of a mind that grasps neither for equality nor respect, it begins to have an impact upon the King's own mind. ... Leargav'st them the rod and put'st down [his] own breeches.? ... Until this point, the King has never felt that any presence was equal to his own, until he is threatened by his own daughter. ...

• Word Count: 1465
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

He actually becomes so angry that he cries, and he curses Goneril and his own eyes, saying (speaking to his eyes) he will "pluck ye out And cast you, with the waters that you loose, To temper clay " (1583). ... Still, he is aware enough of his surroundings to tell Gloucester to "Look with thine ears" (1606). ...

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