King Lear Summary Quiz

What motivates King Lear to divide his kingdom among his daughters?

How does Goneril's and Regan's treatment of Lear change over time?

What is Cordelia's reaction to Lear's request for a declaration of love?

What happens to Gloucester as a result of Edmund's schemes?

What symbolizes King Lear's descent into madness during the storm?

What ultimately happens to Lear and Cordelia at the end of the play?

What leads to the final conflict between Lear's forces and those of Goneril and Regan?

Who is revealed to be the legitimate son in the play?

King Lear Plot Summary

King Lear, seeking retirement, tests his daughters' love, prompting a division of his kingdom.
Goneril and Regan flatter Lear, while Cordelia refuses, leading to Lear's disinheritance of Cordelia.
Cordelia marries the King of France.
Edmund, an illegitimate son, plots against his brother Edgar.

Act 2

Lear experiences cruelty from Goneril and Regan and his mental state deteriorates.
Lear realizes betrayal.
Edmund manipulates Gloucester, causing Gloucester's blinding.

Act 3

Lear's madness intensifies amidst a storm.
Gloucester tries to help Lear but is blinded by Regan and Cornwall.
Lear is accompanied by a disguised Kent and his Fool.
Gloucester is rescued by a disguised Edgar.

Act 4

Cordelia returns to Britain with an army to rescue Lear.
Lear and Cordelia are briefly reconciled.
Edmund gains power, escalating the rivalry between Goneril and Regan.

Act 5

Lear and Cordelia's forces clash with Goneril and Regan's forces.
Regan is poisoned by Goneril.
Lear is captured with Cordelia.
Cordelia is hanged, Lear dies of grief.
Edmund is mortally wounded but fails to redeem himself.
Edgar kills Edmund, revealing his true identity as the rightful heir.

Conclusion

Edgar ascends the throne, but the kingdom is plunged into chaos by the deaths of Lear and Cordelia.
The play highlights the consequences of Lear's poor decisions and the pervasive betrayal within the play.

Test your knowledge on the plot of Shakespeare's King Lear. This quiz covers key events from the play, including Lear's test of love, his descent into madness, and the ultimate tragedy that unfolds. Explore how relationships and betrayal shape the narrative across its five acts.