t people at face value, without any attempt to gain a deeperunderstanding of them. Similarly, we learn in King Lear, that how we perceive ourselves, may not be how we are perceived byothers. Lear, for example, believes himself to be a great and respected King, who is wealthy and powerful. Nevertheless, he isconstantly reminded by the actions of Goneril, and Regan, that he is an old man who has lost his kingdom, his only faithfuldaughter, and his wits. "O, sir, you are very old! Nature in you stands on the very verge of her confine. You should be ruled,and led by some discretion that discerns your state" (II.iv.146-148.) this is reason and way that Regan feels her father shouldbe removed from power. Lear, ever blinded, doesn't see that his two daughters are trying to steal his kingdom. Consequently,when Goneril and Regan are cutting down his train, he still believes that their love can be measured in words and numbers "Thyfifty yet doth double five and twenty, and thou art twice her love" (II.iv.261-262). Lear believes that because Goneril will allowhim twice as many servants in her home, she must love him twice as much as Regan does. This constant want of praise andlauding makes Lear very susceptible to persuasion by his evil daughters, and ultimately leads to his losses. Gloucester, alsoperceives himself differently than the people around him. He sees himself as a loyal, respected man holding some power andstatus. On the contrary, Regan, and her co-conspirators decide in act three that Gloucester is "such a traitor" (III.vii.36)because he has warned Lear and his party to escape to Dover. Gloucester, however, believes himself to be loyal, because he isloyal to the King. But, at the same time, Edmund and his party believe allegiance to the King is a betrayal to their cause. Hence,when Gloucester admits to having warned Lear of the enemy's plans, his eyes are gauged out by Cornwall and Regan aspunishment for his betrayal. It is interestin...
