This is MY Generation

A huge distinction made in the play King Lear is the difference between the old and the young characters. I think Shakespeare did this parallel to further emphasize the power change from generation to generation.

 The plot of the play is with King Lear and his three daughters; Cordelia, Goneril, and Regan. They are told to profess their love to him so he can divide up the kingdom amongst them in accordance to how much they love him. Lear ends up casting off the only daughter of his that has true love for him, Cordelia, because of his other daughters' trickery. Lear eventually is betrayed by the ones who professed to love him the most.

In the subplot a nobleman, named Gloucester, essentially has the same betrayal from his sons as King Lear had with his daughters. His illegitimate son, Edmund, lies to him and tells him his bastard son, Edmund is out to kill him; which is untrue, and Gloucester ends up becoming physically blinded because of it.

 In Lear's case the kingdom is at stake here. As a political figure Lear should take into consideration how the kingdom will be ruled after he is gone and who will be the best fit for that title, instead of solely basing that decision on who supposedly loves him the most. Once he gives up his authority and political power to Goneril and Regan, he is not important to them anymore; they have what they want and will do what they see fit no matter the cost. At this point Lear should see reason and understand that they only said those professions of devotion and love to him out of greed. Lear however doesn't and starts going crazy as the play progresses.

Gloucester, doesn't hesitate in believing Edmund's accusations of Edgar because Gloucester doesn't think of Edgar as a real son. The actual truth here is Edmund is just greedy and wants his father's status and for him to be out of the way. Gloucester doesn't see the deception right in front of him. Edmund plots against Gloucester and Edgar, and takes sides with Cornwall, Regan's husband, who ends up gouging out Gloucester's eyes. 

It seems that Lear and Gloucester can only 'see' reason when their world have completely fallen apart. Once Lear has gone insane he finally comes back to reality enough to reconcile with Cordelia, yet both of their lives still end tragically. I believe Shakespeare's point in all this was to show that we don't live forever and we pass over power and authority to next generation and once that happens they ultimately have power so it is important to be logical and have reason when doing things and making plans because it may not just affect them, it'll effect others too, and if someone can't do that and aren't wise they and others around them will suffer the consequences.