King Lear
Drama
|
William Shakespeare
king Lear Literary Device
Symbols
The Crown: Lear gives up his kingdom and his crown. In Act 1, Scene 4, the Fool uses an egg as a metaphor for Lear’s mistake. The two halves of the eggshell represent Lear’s divided crown. It shows that dividing his power between his daughters has weakened him.
The Storm and Wind: The storm in “King Lear” symbolizes the chaos in the kingdom and Lear’s mind. As the storm rages outside, it r...
Expand king Lear Literary Device
King Lear Quotes
Quotes
“Nothing will come of nothing. Speak again.” (Act 1, Scene 1)
King Lear is the speaker here. He tells Cordelia she will get nothing if she does not express her love. Lear believes words are more important than true feelings. This mistake leads to his downfall.
“I am made of that self mettle as my sister/And prize me at her worth.” (Act 1, Scene 1)
Regan utters this. Through these...
Expand King Lear Quotes
King Lear Characters
Major Characters:
King Lear: The aging king of Britain. His tragic flaws lead to his downfall. He misjudges his daughters, dividing his kingdom based on flattery.
Cordelia: Lear’s youngest and most loyal daughter. Disowned by Lear for refusing to flatter him, she remains devoted to him until the end.
Goneril: Lear’s eldest daughter. She is power-hungry and ruthless. She flatters Lear to gai...
Expand King Lear Characters
King Lear Details Summary
Background
“King Lear” is based on the legend of Leir. He was a mythical king of Britain. Shakespeare wrote it in 1605, during King James I’s early reign. Elizabeth I died in 1603, leaving no direct heir. This incident caused fear and uncertainty about the monarchy. Shakespeare’s play reflects these concerns. It also shows a king’s struggle with power and succession. Lear’s decision to divide his...
Expand King Lear Details Summary
King Lear Plot Summary
Plot Summary
The Division of the Kingdom Among Three Daughters: King Lear is an aging British ruler. He decided to divide his kingdom among his three daughters—Cordelia, Goneril, and Regan. He wanted to retire and live in peace. To do this, he arranged a public contest with his courtiers. He asked his daughters to express how much they loved him. The one who showed the most love would get the lar...
Expand King Lear Plot Summary
King Lear Themes
Themes
Aging: Lear’s old age drives the plot as he steps down from power. His desire to retire while keeping royal privileges leads to conflict with his daughters. This struggle between the old and young for control is also shown in Edmund’s actions against Gloucester and Edgar.
Family Relationships: The play centers on broken family bonds. Lear rejects Cordelia’s honest love, while Gloucester tr...
Expand King Lear Themes
Notes
Explore 17 detailed notes related to King Lear. Each note provides in-depth analysis, explanations, and critical insights.