Harold Bloom notes that Lear must be seen as "paradigm for greatness - at once father, king and a kind of mortal god," to understand his disempowerment under Goneril and Regan. ... This kind of suffering could lead to suicide, and it would have, except Gloucester was blind and couldn't see that there was no cliff to throw himself off of. ...

• Word Count: 1506
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

It is also important to note that Gloucester's eyes are bleeding at this point in the play. ... Gloucester's blindness is continued in 4.6 when Edgar is leading him to a "cliff" to commit suicide. ...

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

On the same note, Lear also seems to order his goddess, Nature, as though he is in control. ... Thus, he says to Gloucester, who believes he has fallen from the edge of a cliff: Think that the clearest gods, who make them honours Of men's impossibilities, have preserved thee (p.96). ...

• Word Count: 1734
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School