Blindness in King Lear

Throughout William Shakespeare's King Lear, many characters make mistakes that cost them greatly. The characters are all blind to something, misinterpreting other character's actions and emotions. Their disregard results in tragedy in the world around them and brings about the rise and fall of the kingdom of Lear.

In the first scene, the audience sees Lear proclaiming to his three daughters that in order to be awarded their dowries they must first express their love accordingly to him. Goneril uses wit, deceit and Lear naivety to create such an indulgent speech of which no father could disapprove: "I love you more than word can wield the matter; Dearer than eyesight, space and liberty, Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare, No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honor;... Beyond all matter of so much I love you" (1.1.55-61)

At this point in the play, the audience is introduced to Goneril's true personality. It is not until we hear all three daughters' speeches that the audience fully understands Lear's metaphorical blindness. Lear misinterprets their words, thinking that Goneril and Regan both love him dearly and Cordelia does not. It is Lear's state of blindness that stops him from understanding and accepting Cordelia's expression of her love. "Nothing will come of nothing. Speak again." (1.1.90) Lear cannot see that Cordelia actually loves him the most. Cordelia's speech challenges Lear and portrays him as being less powerful than was implied earlier in the play. It is strange the way Shakespeare makes the audience aware of Cordelia's knowledge of Lear's blindness, yet she never says anything to Lear about it. This misinterpretation by Lear costs him dearly by the end of the play. His blindness to his daughter's intentions starts the movement of the Wheel of Fire and the fall of his kingdom.

Cordelia's speech is the first point in the play where the audience sees the difference between good and evil in Goneril, Regan and Cordelia. Goneril and Regan tell Lear exactly what he wants to hear; that they both love him more than anything, even their husbands. Lear seems to be entertained by the fact that each daughter is competing against one another for his love and trust. It is for this reason, when, unlike her sisters, Cordelia finds it hard to lie and Lear acts in the way that he does. "Let it be so! Thy truth then be they dower!... Here I disclaim all my paternal care... And, as a stranger to my heart and me Hold thee from this forever... Be as well neighbored, pitied, and relieved As thou my sometime daughter" (1.1.108-119) Lear's anger-ridden speech does not hide his frustration, and it is obvious that this will have a negative impact later in the play. Driven by his blindness, Lear begins to make many mistakes. He not only loses his devoted daughter; but also banishes his most loyal servant, Kent.

It is questionable where or not Lear is insecure, as he requires love to be handed to him easily on a platter. It is possible that Lear is just looking for a boost of confidence when Cordelia does not fulfill his demanding needs. "...I cannot heave my heart into my mouth. I love Your Majesty According to my bond, no more nor less." (1.1.92-93) It seems Cordelia does a poor job of expressing the fact that she truly loves her father. When compared to Goneril and Regan's overly exaggerated speeches, Cordelia shines out among them as the most innocent daughter from the audience's prospective. Lear decides to give Cordelia another chance to "mend" her speech but Cordelia uses her honest spoken, simple language again, even after seeing the pain she caused her father by her "nothing" speech. When Cordelia does speak again, she does not go any further