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King Lear Study Guide

by William Shakespeare

King Lear study guide contains a biography of William Shakespeare, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Act I:

The Earls Kent and Gloucester discuss the division of King Lear's kingdom. Lear has divided the kingdom into three parts, allotting the largest to Cordelia, his most favored of the three daughters. Lear first addresses his two eldest daughters, asking them to express their love for him before they and their husbands will receive the land he has allotted for them. It is a selfish request and Goneril, the eldest, responds readily. Regan answers his request next, attempting to outdo her sister, and thus says that she has given all of her love to Lear. Cordelia finds her sisters extremely boorish in their exaggerated and completely insincere flattery and refuses to participate. Upon her turn, she tells Lear that she loves him as her duty…

Read the full King Lear Summary

• King Lear Summary
• About King Lear
• Character List
• Summary and Analysis of Act I
• Summary and Analysis of Act II
• Summary and Analysis of Act III
• Summary and Analysis of Act IV
• Summary and Analysis of Act V
• About Shakespearean Theater:
• Related Links on King Lear
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• King Lear: Essays
• King Lear: E-Text
• King Lear: Questions
• King Lear: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• William Shakespeare: Biography