Questions and Answers
When was the first known performance of any version of Shakespeare's King Lear?
Saint Stephen's Day in 1606
From which publications do modern editors derive their texts of King Lear?
1608 quarto (Q1), 1619 quarto (Q2), and the 1623 First Folio
How was King Lear revised after the English Restoration?
For audiences who disliked its dark and depressing tone
What is the basis of the story of King Lear?
Signup and view all the answers
Who does King Lear disown in the play?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the names of King Lear's two daughters to whom he initially divides his power and land?
Signup and view all the answers
When does Cordelia become disowned by King Lear?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the three extant publications from which modern editors derive their texts of King Lear?
Signup and view all the answers
How has Shakespeare's original play of King Lear been regarded since the 19th century?
Signup and view all the answers
What did audiences who disliked the dark and depressing tone of King Lear prompt after the English Restoration?
Signup and view all the answers
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
