How does gloucester lose his eyes

When Gloucester tries to help Lear, Regan and her husband Cornwall, punish Gloucester by stripping him of his political office, blinding him, and finally throwing him out of the castle to wander around helplessly. Gloucester's experiences highlight the play's focus on what happens when power shifts from one generation to another. After he is blinded, one of Gloucester's old servants kindly guides him out of the palace.

Despite his sudden fall from influence, Gloucester's attitude demonstrates that it's hard for someone who's always been on top to adjust to life as someone without power. Then, suddenly realizing his position, Gloucester adds, "or rather do thy pleasure" 4.

After a lifetime of being in command, Gloucester finally has to learn how to say "please. This transformation is necessary, because the Gloucester we meet at the beginning of the play is self-satisfied and a little hypocritical. Gloucester's weakness is women, and one of his extramarital affairs produced Edmund. Some people, including Edgar, argue that Gloucester getting blinded is payback for the sin of adultery. Gloucester has the epiphany that Edmund is a traitor, and has likely been a traitor from the start.

More importantly, Gloucester realizes that Edgar must have been innocent. Regan orders that Gloucester be put outside and abandoned to fend for himself. After a servant leads Gloucester out into the elements, Regan and Cornwall—about to collapse from his wound—stumble out as well. The servants left in the room are shocked at what they have just witnessed. They decide they have to help the blind Gloucester. What's Up With the Ending? Tired of ads? Join today and never see them again. One side will mock another; the other too.

If you see vengeance — 1. Hold your hand, my lord! I have served you ever since I was a child; But better service have I never done you Than now to bid you hold. How now, you dog! What do you mean? My villain! They draw and fight. Nay, then, come on, and take the chance of anger.

Cornwall is wounded. Give me thy sword. Gloucester, Kent, and the Fool leave. He then sends his servants to apprehend Gloucester so that Gloucester can be punished. Oswald brings word that Gloucester has helped Lear escape to Dover.

Gloucester is found and brought before Regan and Cornwall. They treat him cruelly, tying him up like a thief, insulting him, and pulling his white beard. Cornwall remarks to himself that he cannot put Gloucester to death without holding a formal trial but that he can still punish him brutally and get away with it.