King Lear- self discovery

Man’s journey to self-discovery is inevitably difficult. One will not become completely self-aware until he is able to see the world clearly. This un-blinding will only occur once the person has endured the pains associated with finding oneself. This idea is evident in the tragedy King Lear, by William Shakespeare. Both King Lear himself, as well as Gloucester are deceived and undergo an immense amount of suffering, both physically and mentally, before they are finally able to see the world clearly and continue on their path to self discovery. This path occurs in the form of a cycle. A tragic hero will fall from his position of superiority to one of suffering and misery before he rises again, now with wisdom and knowledge. Shakespeare develops these ideas through the sufferings of characters, and the process of un-blinding that will lead them in their path to self discovery.

Blindness, in King Lear, is not defined as the inability of the eye to see, but as a mental flaw that prevents some people from seeing the truth. Lear and Gloucester are unable to see the truth, which leads them to make poor decisions. These decisions are the ultimate cause of their sufferings, and it is t

At the end of the play, Gloucester and Lear have reached their highest degree of wisdom. They have endured immense suffering, and have discovered their identities though it all. This has lead them to great wisdom, and an appreciation for the truly important things. Both Lear and Gloucester began their journeys as naive and foolish. They believed they were at the height of their power, and that they were so loved and wise that nothing could take that power away. However, they, as all tragic heros do, began to fall. The wheel of being follows a distinct path that is generally similar for all men. Lear and Gloucester foolishly allowed themselves to be deceived by those whom they trusted and gradually descended to the bottom of this wheel. Here, they experienced immense suffering, regret and despair. Lear’s grief lead him to the loss of his sanity, and Gloucester’s blindness and despair lead him to attempted suicide. It is through this misfortune, however, that they come across self-discovery and learn self-awareness. After this occurs, both men will begin to rise up again, coming closer to a completed cycle of existence. Lear’s anguish and insanity are healed by his reunion with Cordelia, and the discovery of her true feelings. Upon reuniting with his daughter, Lear is happy just to be with her, even if they are in prison. “…Come, let’s away to prison; we two alone will sing like birds I’th’cage……..and pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh at guilded butterflies…”(5,3,8-13) Gloucester also learns the truth of Edgar’s identity, and is thankful for his loyal son. Both Lear and Gloucester have ascended back up to the top of the wheel. They have grown wiser, and in a sense more powerful. The two men have completed the cycle; undergone one full turn of the wheel and natural order has been restored.

Another prominent theme in King Lear is that wisdom can be achieved only through suffering. Often times, a tragic hero uncovers his true self only after great suffering. He will only appreciate what he has after ex

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