The Tragedy of King Lear by William Shakespeare

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About this eBook

Author Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616
Title The Tragedy of King Lear
Note The First Folio, 1623
Note Reading ease score: 89.4 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Summary "The Tragedy of King Lear" by William Shakespeare is a tragic play written during the early 17th century, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and familial relationships. The story centers on King Lear, who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on their professions of love for him, setting off a chain of events filled with betrayal and madness. At the start of the play, various characters are introduced, including Lear, Kent, Gloucester, and his illegitimate son Edmund. King Lear announces his intention to divide his kingdom, demanding declarations of love from his daughters. Gonerill and Regan flatter him with exaggerated professions, while Cordelia, the youngest, speaks truthfully and is disowned. Lear's rash decision leads to tension between him and those around him, especially as Gloucester faces his own familial conflict with his legitimate son Edgar and illegitimate son Edmund. This opening sets the stage for the ensuing tragedy, revealing themes of deceit, loyalty, and the nature of authority. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
Subject Tragedies
Subject Fathers and daughters -- Drama
Subject Inheritance and succession -- Drama
Subject Lear, King (Legendary character) -- Drama
Subject Britons -- Drama
Subject Kings and rulers -- Drama
Subject Aging parents -- Drama
Category Text
EBook-No. 1128
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Nov 3, 2023
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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