King Lear and Gloucester are the prime examples of subjects able to physically see, but without the ability of insight nor clear vision. Both are disillusioned into making drastic errors in judgment by banishing their loyal children and subject (on Lear's part) and appointing their wicked children as heirs. Lear does not realize his mistake until he is driven mad by the cruel treatment of his wicked daughters. Gloucester gains clarity in insight after he is unable to rely on his physical eyes to see.
Lear's perspective is unmistakeably superficial. He loves the empty words of praise showered upon him by his wicked daughters despite the lack of love behind them. This superficial perspective prevents Lear from seeing through the physical garments and simple disguise worn by his most faithful and loyal servant, Kent.
Gloucester is also in a similar predicament. With a simple letter written by his illegitimate and wicked son, he becomes convinced of his noble, legitimate son's treachery and treason. However, once he loses his sight, he gains insight of the condition of his situation. Immediately after he is blinded, Gloucester quotes:
I have no way and therefore want no eyes;
I stumbled when I saw. Full oft 'tis seen,
Our means secure us, and our mere defects
Prove our commodities. (IV.i.18-21)
His eyes stumbled him and prevented him from seeing the truth.
Lear does not gain insight until near the end of the play when Cordelia arrives at her father's side.
Only then, in his murky state of mind, does he see Cordelia for the noble and loving daughter that she is.
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