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William Shakespeare, King Lear
- Authors
- Name
- Susan Bruce
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King Lear by William Shakespeare - Summary
Dramatis Personae
- King Lear: Monarch of Britain.
- Goneril, Regan, Cordelia: Lear's daughters.
- Duke of Albany: Goneril's husband.
- Duke of Cornwall: Regan's husband.
- King of France, Duke of Burgundy: Suitors of Cordelia.
- Earl of Gloucester: Nobleman.
- Edgar: Gloucester's elder son.
- Edmund: Gloucester's illegitimate younger son.
- Earl of Kent, Fool: Loyal to Lear.
- Oswald: Goneril's steward.
- Other characters include a physician, an officer, a gentleman, a herald, servants, knights, officers, messengers, soldiers, and attendants
【oaicite:5】.
Act I
King Lear's Palace: Lear announces his plan to divide his kingdom among his daughters, based on their expressions of love for him. Goneril and Regan, his elder daughters, flatter him deceitfully, while Cordelia, the youngest, refuses to exaggerate her love, leading to her disinheritance
【oaicite:4】.Gloucester’s Castle: Edmund, Gloucester's illegitimate son, is shown to be plotting against his father and brother Edgar, resentful of his status as a bastard
【oaicite:3】.Duke of Albany’s Palace: Goneril expresses frustration over Lear's behavior and his knights' conduct in her household, planning to assert her authority over her father
【oaicite:2】.Albany’s Palace Hall: Kent, loyal to Lear, disguises himself after being banished and re-enters Lear's service
【oaicite:1】.
Subsequent Events
- Lear's fool provides commentary on Lear’s foolishness in giving away his authority.
- Goneril confronts Lear about his retinue’s behavior, indicating a significant shift in power dynamics
【oaicite:0】.
Themes
- Authority and Power: The transfer and misuse of power are central, particularly Lear's impulsive decision to divide his kingdom and the resulting chaos.
- Family and Betrayal: Familial relationships are strained and betrayed, notably by Lear's daughters and Gloucester's sons.
- Madness: Lear's descent into madness reflects his loss of power and identity.
- Foolishness and Wisdom: The Fool offers insight into Lear's actions, often contrasting wisdom with Lear's folly.