Bruce Lee, one of the most influential martial artists of all time, said "Knowledge will give you power, but character respect." Respect is a very difficult thing to earn. It can take months or even years of good character demonstration to obtain. Most of all, it takes patience and clear thinking to obtain respect. When people think clearly and listen to those who are loyal to them, they may able to see what is happening and maintain healthy power. The same ideology stays true in life, for only when people with power are not blinded by unclear thinking will power not turn corrupt. Throughout the story of King Lear, the evidence used to support my claim is pervasive and is demonstrated by various elements throughout the play.
King Lear is a Shakespearean tragedy, and the downfall of the protagonist highlights the importance of clear thinking in terms of power. A tragedy is a branch of drama or playwriting that portrays the sorrowful and terrible events encountered by a heroic individual, which is usually the protagonist. Unlike a Christian tragedy, the events in a Shakespearean tragedy may not reflect Christian literature such as the Bible, and the individual experiencing the downward spiral of events is usually someone of distinguished position or nobility in the story. Due to King Lear's high position in society, he was supposed to be able to distinguish what was good and what was bad, but unfortunately, his lack of sight prevented him to do so. King Lear's blindness is introduced early on in the play. First, he was easily deceived by his two eldest daughters' lies of their affection towards him. In addition, he was unable to see the reality of Cordelia's true love for him and as a result, King Lear banished Cordelia by saying that.
"for we.
Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see.
That face of her again. Therefore be gone.
Without our grace, our love, our benison" .