King Lear is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It tells the story of an aging king who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters. He gives the largest portion to the daughter who professes to love him the most. The other two daughters, however, are more cunning and flatter him with false declarations of love. The king is deceived and banishes his youngest and most honest daughter. The play follows the consequences of the king’s decision. His two deceitful daughters take control of the kingdom and treat their father cruelly. Meanwhile, the banished daughter finds refuge with a loyal courtier and his family. The courtier’s daughter, Cordelia, falls in love with the king’s youngest son, who is also in exile. The play culminates in a battle between the king’s forces and those of his two daughters. In the end, the king is reunited with his youngest daughter and realizes the error of his ways. He dies, leaving his kingdom to Cordelia and her husband.
By William Shakespeare · First published 1606 · Genre: Tragedy, Drama, Classical Literature · 26 chapters