How does Shakespeare explore the theme of tragedy in Act 3 Scene 7 of King Lear?

Although the scene is underlined with cruelty and chaos, by the close, it marks the beginning openness and sanctity for Gloucester. There is no hope for Gloucester’s character to progress positively until he is blinded, agreeing with Terry Eagleton’s historical observation that ‘suffering is an energizing, revitalizing part of human existence’. Gloucester’s clamours to unknown deities in this scene shows his revitalization. Before he is blinded, Gloucester curses the heavens ‘O cruel! O you gods!’ as if the gods should prevent this injustice. However, Gloucester’s ignorance (or blindness) is what has led him to this point, no god has set or made a path for him [1]. However, once Gloucester has been blinded, his attitude and words change. He asks the ‘kind gods’ to ‘forgive’ him for his previous follies. The insight is given ironically; as his physical sight is taken away, he begins to gain clearer insight into his own character. He recognises that Edmund was ‘abused’ by his actions, an unexpected feature in his persona that maps the path for redemption and reconciliation. Aristotle states that in order to arrange the ‘perfect tragedy’ one should ‘excite pity and fear’. Shakespeare did not shy away from"exciting" pity and fear in this scene, but, this redemptive conclusion for Gloucester relates to a more important part of Aristotle's thesis; catharsis. Aristotle states that a 'catharsis' should occur when an audience has viewed a tragic scene. In Ancient Greek, the word translates to 'purification'. We, the audience, with Gloucester have undergone a sequence of tragic events. He gains a clarity he did not have before the tragic scene, and, the audience has witnessed a terrible event. Aristotle saw this as a function for tragic theatre in civic society, to allow the stimulation of such desires and feelings within a controlled space. It is the redemptive qualities at this scene's conclusion that show Shakespeare explored tragedy to its fullest.[1] Christianity in the 17th Century overruled the lives of the masses; they believed that an almighty force controlled life. Shakespeare’s pagan setting allows for an open critique of Christian hope and the blind-faith many had in the church.