28th Annual Student Research Conference
Hiding in Plain Sight: Symbolism in King Lear
Julianne L. Dworak
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
Shakespeare concludes King Lear by echoing the words "see" and "look" as a unifying device linking several key passages together. Sight is a major symbol of the play, which drives the plot and the fall into madness of Gloucester and Lear. Gloucester, who is blinded during the course of the play, falls into derangement as his newly inflicted blindness consumes him. One critic contends that there is a distinctive symmetry between the experiences of Lear and Gloucester,"among which are persistently recurrent words directly or indirectly naming eyes and sight" (Kreider 121). Sight, though employed subtly, is central to the plot progression in Shakespeares King Lear. This claim is evident through the similar thoughts, actions and words of Gloucester and Lear. Through the comparative analysis of these characters this essay will shine a light on the role of sight and its importance in Shakespeares King Lear.
Keywords: King Lear, Gloucester, Sight, Blindness
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 303-2
Location: VH 1224
Time: 1:15