Ceremonial garments and the clothing of the court are deeply suspect. They conceal the truth. Lear cannot see beyond the trappings of majesty and assumes his crown
makes him ‘ague-proof’ (IV.6.105). Goneril, Regan and Edmund cover up their depravity with attractive exteriors. When Lear is forced to face reality he decides to remove his kingly garments, ‘Off, off, you lendings!’ (III.4.110–1). He needs to rid himself of the trappings of majesty so that he can learn. In Act IV we know that Lear has gained wisdom when he says astutely ‘furred gowns hide all’ (IV.6.163). He has recognised the truth about himself and his daughters. When his sanity is restored, Lear is ready to be put in fresh clothes. He no longer needs his crown of poisonous and bitter weeds, a symbol of his jarred senses.