Final answer:
Gloucester sees the gods as cruel in Shakespeare's 'King Lear', reflecting the themes of suffering and the absence of justice. His view contributes to the play's dark atmosphere and its questioning of divine justice in the face of human struggle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character of Gloucester in Shakespeare's King Lear has a very negative view of the gods, often seeing them as sadistic or indifferent to human suffering. Gloucester's perspective is revealed in his famous lines, "As flies to wanton boys, are we to the gods; they kill us for their sport." This view reflects a larger theme in the play of the prevalence of suffering and the apparent absence of justice, as characters endure pain and betrayal often with no reprieve or meaningful resolution. This perspective contributes to the play's exploration of a chaotic and unjust universe, wherein the traditional notions of a benevolent and orderly cosmos are challenged.
Gloucester's belief that the gods are cruel and take pleasure in human pain adds to the dark and tragic atmosphere of the play. It serves as a commentary on the human condition and the inexplicable nature of suffering, questioning the existence of divine justice or purpose in the face of humanity's struggles. Ultimately, Shakespeare uses Gloucester's perspective to delve into the complexities of life's hardships and the often overwhelming sense of injustice that pervades human existence.