As one of the most significant moments in Shakespeare's King Lear, the scene described in Act 4, Scene 6, lines 131-146 provides insight into the parallels inside the work and offers a definition of the true meaning through irony. King Lear is at the center of this passage, and it is here that he reaches the pinnacle of his transition from madness to maturity. Furthermore, the passage reveals parallels between Lear and Gloucester, their sons, and their respective situations. The two can be compared and contrasted to aid the reader's understanding of how they affect the work as a whole. As a result, Shakespeare's use of language allows for several inferences to be made throughout the scene. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Lear opens the passage with the line "Let me clean it first; it smells of mortality" (4.6.132), introducing the fact that he wants to rid himself of every trace of humanity. In doing so he brings himself to a "common" level, allowing himself to appear as if he has been completely overcome by madness. Going mad broke his connection to the norm. This madness, however, in Lear's case serves as maturation; eventually, he realizes the mistake he made by banishing Cordelia. At this point in the play, Lear has reached the height of his madness as well as the height of his wisdom. He calls his madman – the only person in the play from whom he receives advice – signifying their shared sensibility. The transition to Gloucester changes the point of view, as Gloucester thinks on a completely literal level. “O ruined piece of nature” (4.6.133), he cries to Lear, emphasizing not only his own glory, but Lear's as well. His eyes have been gouged out, and although he thinks he has survived a terrible fall, Gloucester is humbled by his mortality. He notes that “this great world / will wear away to nothing,” as if he and Lear are the only people in the world who have not been consumed by treacherous materialism. Nobody knows what is "right" anymore and the world will inevitably rush towards an apocalyptic end due to the disappearance of morality and ethics. Lear's perspective has changed so much that Gloucester has to ask himself, "Do you know me?" The mad Lear responds to Gloucester by saying, "I remember your eyes well enough." Lear suggests remembering what Gloucester was like and notes that Gloucester cannot be easily fooled by physical perception. He says: "Do you disgust me?" (4.6.135) when it is clear that Gloucester cannot use the power of sight to determine who is speaking to him. Now that Lear has gotten past appearances, he goes on to say, "No, do your worst, blind Cupid; I will not love" (4.6.136). Lear refuses to love anyone again, even Gloucester, even though he may think he has some parallels to Lear. Regan and Goneril betrayed his trust, and Lear realized that he was the one who drove away the only daughter who truly loved him. Lear matures through his awareness of how Cordelia differs from her sisters. Gloucester refers to this because it was Gloucester's poor judgment that caused his good son, Edgar, to leave. Both Lear and Gloucester were manipulated by children who did not truly love them, highlighting the theme of appearance versus reality. Later in the passage, Lear edifies Gloucester by telling him to "Read this passage. Note but how to write it" (4.6.136-137). The vision in King Lear is often distorted and untruthful. Many times the words "eyes" and "see" appear in a passage, but they contradict their literal meaning and force a closer emotional attachment. Gloucester must use his heart and mind to see the reality of his loved ones and the world.