Podcast
Questions and Answers
When was the first known performance of any version of Shakespeare's King Lear?
When was the first known performance of any version of Shakespeare's King Lear?
- Saint Stephen's Day in 1606 (correct)
- Saint Patrick's Day in 1610
- Saint David's Day in 1612
- Saint George's Day in 1608
From which publications do modern editors derive their texts of King Lear?
From which publications do modern editors derive their texts of King Lear?
- 1605 quarto (Q7), 1612 quarto (Q8), and the 1620 First Folio
- 1610 quarto (Q5), 1613 quarto (Q6), and the 1625 First Folio
- 1608 quarto (Q1), 1619 quarto (Q2), and the 1623 First Folio (correct)
- 1603 quarto (Q3), 1609 quarto (Q4), and the 1616 First Folio
How was King Lear revised after the English Restoration?
How was King Lear revised after the English Restoration?
- For audiences who wanted a longer play
- For audiences who preferred a comedic ending
- For audiences who disliked its dark and depressing tone (correct)
- For audiences who wanted more characters
What is the basis of the story of King Lear?
What is the basis of the story of King Lear?
Who does King Lear disown in the play?
Who does King Lear disown in the play?
What are the names of King Lear's two daughters to whom he initially divides his power and land?
What are the names of King Lear's two daughters to whom he initially divides his power and land?
When does Cordelia become disowned by King Lear?
When does Cordelia become disowned by King Lear?
What are the three extant publications from which modern editors derive their texts of King Lear?
What are the three extant publications from which modern editors derive their texts of King Lear?
How has Shakespeare's original play of King Lear been regarded since the 19th century?
How has Shakespeare's original play of King Lear been regarded since the 19th century?
What did audiences who disliked the dark and depressing tone of King Lear prompt after the English Restoration?
What did audiences who disliked the dark and depressing tone of King Lear prompt after the English Restoration?
Study Notes
History of King Lear
- The first known performance of any version of Shakespeare's King Lear was in 1606.
- Modern editors derive their texts of King Lear from three publications: the 1608 Quarto, the 1623 Folio, and the 1619 Quarto.
Revision after the English Restoration
- After the English Restoration, King Lear was revised to have a happier ending.
- Audiences who disliked the dark and depressing tone of King Lear prompted this revision.
Story Basis
- The story of King Lear is based on the legend of Leir of Britain, a mythical king of Britain.
Key Characters
- King Lear disowns Cordelia, his youngest daughter.
- King Lear initially divides his power and land among his two daughters, Goneril and Regan.
- Cordelia becomes disowned by King Lear when she refuses to flatter him with exaggerated expressions of love.
Legacy
- Since the 19th century, Shakespeare's original play of King Lear has been regarded as a masterpiece of tragic drama.
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Description
Test your knowledge of William Shakespeare's tragic play "King Lear" with this quiz! Explore the themes, characters, and plot of this timeless classic as you answer questions about the tragic tale of a king and his daughters.
