Through tattered clothes great vices do appear; Robes and furred gowns hide all. Plate sin with gold and the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks. Arm it in rags, a pigmy's straw does pierce it.
In this passage from King Lear, Shakespeare suggests that outward appearances often conceal true character and wrongdoing. Wealth and status can disguise moral failings, as those who are well-dressed may be shielded from scrutiny and judgment. In contrast, the vulnerable and the poor are easily exposed to the harsh realities of justice, as their lack of protection emphasizes their guilt or shortcomings.
The imagery of clothing serves as a powerful metaphor for the societal tendency to overlook the sins of the powerful while readily condemning those who lack privilege. In essence, Shakespeare critiques the superficial evaluations based on appearance, highlighting how justice can be obscured by wealth and status, while the less fortunate face immediate consequences for their actions.
