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.)

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". His extant works, including collaborations, consist of some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three long narrative poems and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare remains arguably the most influential writer in the English language, and his works continue to be studied and reinterpreted.