A Guide to King Lear

King Lear is considered one of Shakespeares's greatest works. In the play, King Lear is advancing in age, and decides to resign from the throne and divide his kingdom among his three daughters. Before doing so, he tests his daughters by asking them to tell him how much they love him. His youngest daughter Cordelia is unable to express herself; this displeases him and he disowns her. Soon, he realizes his mistake, the two remaining daughters betray him, and he slips into insanity and wanders alone to a heath. Through wars, invasions, and betrayal, all three daughters die. King Lear dies from grief at the passing of Cordelia. A detailed summary is available from Spark Notes.

Texts

The full text of King Lear can be read on:

• The Literature Network

• University of Virginia Library

• The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

Historical Context

King Lear is based on the legendary Leir of Britain.

Sources for King Lear include classic fairytales and historical compilations, including:

• Essays by Michel de Montaigne

• The Chronicles of England, Scotlande, and Irelande by Raphael Holinshed

• A Declaration of egregious Popish Impostures by Samuel Harsnett

There is some controversy about Shakespeare's sources and what he borrowed from them. Some of the actual words in Holinshed's and Hartnett's works are used in King Lear.

Since historical sources put the time of Leir's kingdom at around 800 BC, the play is set in an age far before the time of Shakespeare's audience. However, is has some parallels with the events of the day, including the lawsuit between Sir Bryan Annesley and his daughter and the story of Sir William Allen.

Critiques

Many websites debate and analyze King Lear's meaning and political significance. These include:

• Book Rags

• Dream Essays

• Global Oneness

• Pathology Guy

• Theatre History

Art and Film

King Lear has been performed countless times since the Restoration of 1660. During the Restoration, the play was often adapted to have a happy ending more pleasing to audiences of the day, but has since returned to its original plot. In modern times, King Lear has been performed in many venues, including:

• The Royal Shakespeare Company

• Broadway productions

• Movies

• Television

In addition to plays and movies, King Lear has been an inspiration for other visual art, including:

• Emory University: list of paintings based on King

• King Lear and His Fool: modern woodcutting

• Statue of King Lear previously displayed in Chicago.

• Renaissance costumes - Costumes based on the characters of King Lear remain popular.

King Lear is an important study tool, since the themes and topics expressed in King Lear still resonate today, and are as important in modern times as they were in 17^th century Britain.