King Lear Group

Question:

turnips123
turnips123
Student

How are the images of blindness and sight in 'King Lear' relevant to characteriztion, plot and theme?

Is this a comparative contrast essay or argumentative essay? And can someone explain to me more in detail about this?

Rate question:

Posted by turnips123 on Wednesday July 22, 2009 at 1:08 AM and tagged with blindness and sight, characterization, king lear, lear, plot, symbolization, theme.

Answers:

  1. appletrees
    appletrees Teacher
    College - Junior

    eNotes Editor

    The question is probably more closely related to argumentation than to comparison/contrast. The imagery of blindness and sight in the play serve to illuminate and comment upon the most important relationships among the characters, especially that of King Lear to his daughters. Lear is 'blind' to young daughter Cordelia's loyalty because she refuses to speak plainly when asked what she wants from him as an inheritance. He thinks she is being impertinent and sends her away; this allows older daughters Regan and Goneril to manipulate and take advantage of him. Lear is later physically blinded and finally realizes Cordelia's devotion is lasting.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/king-lear

    Rate answer:

    Posted by appletrees on Wednesday August 19, 2009 at 9:29 PM