. 149) Albany was another character suffering from blindness, but luckily for him, he survived his battle. Albany's blindness was purely a result of his devotion to Goneril. Although he disapproved of Goneril's actions, he would not speak his true feelings. When Goneril would not let Lear's men into her castle, Albany protested; "I cannot be so partial, Goneril,/ to the great love I bear you-" (1, 4. 306-307 )Albany's love for Goneril blinded him from the evilness that she possessed. He was blind from the fact that Goneril was having an affair with Edmund, and planning to have her husband killed. Fortunately Edgar, devised a plan to cure Albany's blindness. A letter outlining Goneril's plan, was all that Albany needed to see. After reading the letter Albany came to his senses and confronted Goneril; " O Goneril,/ You are not worth the dust which the rude wind/ Blows in your face!" ( 4, 2. 29-31) Unlike Lear and Gloucester, Albany did not suffer from his bout of blindness, he lived to become the leader of which was once Lear's kingdom.In King Lear, blindness is a theme portrayed by the main characters of these plots. Throughout the play Shakespeare is saying that the world cannot be seen with eyes only. It is a combination of mind, emotion and heart. True sight comes from within....
