VicInSpokane said:

Well...among other things, Lear is a monumental example of the horrible consequences that can follow from not being able to distinguish the superiority of a plain truth (Cordelia's real, but non-flowery expression of love) over a showy and attractive falsehood (Goneril & Regan's ardent, but lying, expressions of "love"). Much of the play reminds us that we should value clear vision and truth, even though the world specializes in offering us flashy stuff that is of no real or lasting value.