Project Gutenberg
2000-07-01
Public domain in the USA.
167
Shakespeare, William
1564
1616
Shakspeare, William
Shakspere, William
King Lear
Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Lear
"King Lear" by William Shakespeare is a tragic play believed to have been written in the early 17th century. The play explores themes of power, betrayal, and madness through the story of King Lear, who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on who loves him most. This decision leads to his tragic downfall and the unraveling of familial bonds. The opening of "King Lear" introduces key characters such as King Lear, his daughters Gonerill, Regan, and Cordelia, along with loyal subjects like Kent and Gloucester. Lear's intent to divide his kingdom sets the stage for conflict, as he asks each daughter to declare her love for him. Gonerill and Regan flatter him with extravagant declarations, while Cordelia speaks less but more truthfully. Lear's anger at Cordelia’s perceived lack of affection leads to her disinheritance, establishing the initial rift that will drive the play’s tragic events. The tension escalates as Lear's inability to see his daughters' true natures and his own foolishness become apparent, foreshadowing the chaos to come. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Reading ease score: 89.3 (6th grade). Easy to read.
en
Tragedies (Drama)
Kings and rulers -- Succession -- Drama
Fathers and daughters -- Drama
Inheritance and succession -- Drama
Lear, King (Legendary character) -- Drama
Britons -- Drama
Kings and rulers -- Drama
Aging parents -- Drama
PR
Text
Best Books Ever Listings
Banned Books from Anne Haight's list
Category: Plays/Films/Dramas
Category: Classics of Literature
Category: British Literature
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