When deciding how to punish the Duke of Gloucester, both Reagan and Gonoril in King Lear display brutality. Reagan wants to, “Hang him instantly!”1 while Gonoril says, “Pluck out his eyes.”2 Carrying out Reagan’s suggestion means that Gloucester will die immediately, and he will never reconcile with his son, Edgar. Gonoril’s suggestion, then, allows him to still hope that this will one day happen, but at a price. Lack of sight will leave Gloucester unable to tell at a glance if friend or foe approaches, and he will need to rely on his other senses. These will be easier to manipulate, as Edgar proves when he disguises his voice and successfully fools his father into believing he is Tom instead.3 In addition, strangers may maltreat Gloucester.
