King Lear themes

King Lear themes

1. Nothing/loss

   • The value of nothing
     • 'Lear begins to glimpse his loss - "noting can be made out of nothing"- shows character development (1.4.131)
     • Cordelia sees through her sisters lies 'time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides' (1.2.279)

2. Appearance and reality

   • Edgar warns against vain appearances - "set not they sweet heart on proud array" (3.4.83-4)

3. Blindness as a metaphor

   • Gloucester sums up the tragic state of the world: "tis the time's plague, when madmen lead the blind"
   • Lear acknowledges his frailty - "mine eyes are not o'th'best: I'll tell you straight"