Symbols are often used as an effective way to carry a theme through the entirety of the story, and in this way, Shakespeare used “eyes” in The Tragedy of King Lear. In this brilliant and emotional piece, the theme that stood out to me was deception. More specifically, deception in the appearance of good versus evil, and Shakespeare effectively demonstrated this particular theme throughout using eyes as symbolism in several circumstances. As I had noticed, eyes not only represented actual physical sight but also sight into the future, and seeking the truth. In these ways, the motif was used effectively to strengthen the theme of deception.
In the Opening scene, as Goneril professes her love to her father, “eyesight” is first introduced as she tells King Lear, “ Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter, // dearer than eyesight, space…” (I.I.60-62). With this speech, Goneril builds the foundation of the importance of this particular motif. It is the first comparison she makes, thus we can infer that eyesight is looked upon with high importance considering she tries to …show more content…
In King Lear, “Eyes” is also used as a symbol of truth, or being able to “see” the truth. After Gloucester has his eyes taken out, he comes to realize that Edmund had deceived him and that once he was able to see Edgar once more, he’d know that Edmund had indeed made a fool of him. Feeling guilt towards himself he says, regarding Edgar, “Might I but live to see thee in my touch // I’d say I had eyes again.” ( IV.I.24-25). Gloucester had to lose his eyes to see the truth, and as he uncovers the truth he is finally able to see the deception that had occurred. The deception he had been blind to up until now. This may be the most important version of the motif because it deals directly in revealing the fraudulence his illegitimate son had exposed him
In the Opening scene, as Goneril professes her love to her father, “eyesight” is first introduced as she tells King Lear, “ Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter, // dearer than eyesight, space…” (I.I.60-62). With this speech, Goneril builds the foundation of the importance of this particular motif. It is the first comparison she makes, thus we can infer that eyesight is looked upon with high importance considering she tries to …show more content…
In King Lear, “Eyes” is also used as a symbol of truth, or being able to “see” the truth. After Gloucester has his eyes taken out, he comes to realize that Edmund had deceived him and that once he was able to see Edgar once more, he’d know that Edmund had indeed made a fool of him. Feeling guilt towards himself he says, regarding Edgar, “Might I but live to see thee in my touch // I’d say I had eyes again.” ( IV.I.24-25). Gloucester had to lose his eyes to see the truth, and as he uncovers the truth he is finally able to see the deception that had occurred. The deception he had been blind to up until now. This may be the most important version of the motif because it deals directly in revealing the fraudulence his illegitimate son had exposed him