"In King Lear Shakespeare's subject is illusion, and in Lear himself it is shown as an incurable condition" Discuss King Lear deals with the theme illusion in most of the characters, very few of the characters are true, even those with only good intent. Flattery is one of the most important forms of illusion in the play. Written for an Edwardian audience, the power of flatterers in an absolute system would have been recognised. King Lear has a tragic flaw, which is his pride that prevents him from seeing the true faces of people. Lear has deci ....