It seems ironic that both the oldest characters, Gloucester and Lear, who are blind either metaphorically or physically. They both exemplify that wisdom does not always come with old age. The parallel characters are very important to each other, Lear who is blinded metaphorically, and Gloucester who is physically blinded. Both characters undergo radical changes and their once sightless decisions become regrettable actions. They are unable to see people for who they truly are; thus their tragedy is the journey they must endure to regain sight. It is clear that although, Lear can physically see, he is blind, and lacks understanding, insight and pure intentions. It seems that the characters who had and kept their “healthy eyes” throughout the entire novel, could see both the evil and distorted world with which they live in. Ironically, while characters such as Gloucester, whose eyes were physically seized from him, and metaphorically Lear, both can now recognize their true selves. Blindness is not only a physical impairment for Gloucester and a forced lesson for King Lear ,but also a mental defect that some of the characters possess. They both share the inability to see the other characters true-selves ,and can only “see” the surface of things. Shakespeare uses Lear’s inability to see with his heart and Gloucester’s vulnerability to portray one of his themes, blindness. In the beginning of the play, Lear is seen to be a vain, conceited old man. He sees age as an opportunity to shirk his responsibilities, “ Know that we have divided In three our kingdom, and 'tis our fast intent, To shake all cares and business from our age, Conferring them on younger strengths while we, Unburdened crawl toward death” (1.i.35-39)
He has a need to be dependent on others around him, and at the same time wants to be recognized as a “king”. Because of his position he was supposed to be