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Questions and Answers
What does Lear ask his daughters to do at the beginning of the play?
What does Lear ask his daughters to do at the beginning of the play?
- Identify their favorite kingdom
- Give him gifts
- Declare how much they love him (correct)
- Choose a husband
How does Cordelia express her love for Lear?
How does Cordelia express her love for Lear?
- With exaggerated compliments
- According to her bond (correct)
- By calling him the greatest king
- Through a poetic verse
What happens to Gloucester as a result of Edmund's schemes?
What happens to Gloucester as a result of Edmund's schemes?
- He is blinded (correct)
- He reconciles with Edgar
- He becomes king
- He goes mad
What significant event occurs in Act 3 concerning Lear's mental state?
What significant event occurs in Act 3 concerning Lear's mental state?
How does the rivalry between Goneril and Regan escalate?
How does the rivalry between Goneril and Regan escalate?
What is the outcome of Cordelia's return to Britain?
What is the outcome of Cordelia's return to Britain?
What ultimately happens to Lear at the end of the play?
What ultimately happens to Lear at the end of the play?
Who kills Edmund in the conclusion of the play?
Who kills Edmund in the conclusion of the play?
Flashcards
King Lear's decision
King Lear's decision
King Lear's decision to divide his kingdom based on his daughters' professions of love for him.
Cordelia's honesty
Cordelia's honesty
The act of Cordelia refusing to flatter King Lear and instead speaking honestly about her love.
Edmund's plot
Edmund's plot
Edmund's scheming to usurp his brother, Edgar.
Lear's mental deterioration
Lear's mental deterioration
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Gloucester's blinding
Gloucester's blinding
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Lear's madness
Lear's madness
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Lear and Cordelia's reunion
Lear and Cordelia's reunion
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The play's ending
The play's ending
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Study Notes
King Lear: Plot Summary
- King Lear, desiring retirement, tests his daughters' love, demanding extravagant praise.
- Goneril and Regan flatter him excessively, while Cordelia refuses the deception.
- Lear, angered by Cordelia's honesty, disowns her and divides the kingdom between Goneril and Regan.
- Cordelia marries the French King.
- Edmund, Gloucester's illegitimate son, plots against his legitimate brother, Edgar.
Act 1: The Initial Conflict
- Lear's division of the kingdom based on feigned affection.
- Cordelia's refusal to flatter leads to her banishment.
- Edmund's ambition and treachery are introduced.
Act 2: The Escalating Betrayal
- Lear experiences the cruelty of his favored daughters.
- Lear's descent into madness begins.
- Gloucester is manipulated by Edmund, leading to his blinding.
Act 3: Madness and Misery
- Lear's madness intensifies during a violent storm.
- Gloucester's suffering heightens.
- Lear is supported by Kent (disguised) and the Fool.
Act 4: Hope and Renewed Crisis
- Cordelia returns with an army to rescue Lear.
- A brief reconciliation between Lear and Cordelia.
- Edmund's rise to power and Goneril/Regan's rivalry.
Act 5: The Tragic Conclusion
- War breaks out between Lear/Cordelia and Goneril/Regan's forces.
- Regan dies poisoned by Goneril.
- Lear and Cordelia are captured and imprisoned.
- Cordelia is executed.
- Lear dies of grief soon after.
- Edmund dies in battle.
- Edgar (revealed as legitimate heir) kills Edmund.
Themes and Conclusion
- The play highlights the consequences of pride, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power within a family.
- King Lear's actions create a devastating tragedy for himself and those around him.
- Edgar takes the throne amidst the kingdom's turmoil.
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