The Truth of Suffering in King Lear Edgar: O, matter and impertinency mixed, Reason in madness! (4.6.192-93) Reason in madness, truth in suffering, and sight in blindness all contain the same basic meaning. In order to find and recognize our real selves and the truth, we must suffer. These various themes are continually illustrated throughout Shakespeare's King Lear. Their effects are not solely felt by Lear and Gloucester. All sincerely “good” characters in the play must, in some way, suffer before they can gain wisdom and truth. Some characters are made to suffer more, some less. The truths and wisdom gained are what give the dra