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    King Lear

    tragedy

    King Lear is Shakespeare's bleakest tragedy. An ageing king decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters based on who can flatter him best, banishes the one who loves him honestly, and is slowly cast out by the two who lied. As Lear loses his power, his family, and his mind, a second family tears itself apart alongside him. It is a vast, unsparing play about old age, ingratitude, and what is left of a person when everything is stripped away.

    ▸SCENE I. King Lear's palace.▸SCENE II. The Earl of Gloucester's castle.▸SCENE III. The Duke of Albany's palace.▸SCENE IV. A hall in the same.▸SCENE V. Court before the same.

    ▸SCENE I. GLOUCESTER's castle.▸SCENE II. Before Gloucester's castle.▸SCENE III. A wood.▸SCENE IV. Before GLOUCESTER's castle. KENT in the stocks.

    ▸SCENE I. A heath.▸SCENE II. Another part of the heath. Storm still.▸SCENE III. Gloucester's castle.▸SCENE IV. The heath. Before a hovel.▸SCENE V. Gloucester's castle.▸SCENE VI. A chamber in a farmhouse adjoining the castle.▸SCENE VII. Gloucester's castle.

    ▸SCENE I. The heath.▸SCENE II. Before ALBANY's palace.▸SCENE III. The French camp near Dover.▸SCENE IV. The same. A tent.▸SCENE V. Gloucester's castle.▸SCENE VI. Fields near Dover.▸SCENE VII. A tent in the French camp. LEAR on a bed asleep,

    ▸SCENE I. The British camp, near Dover.▸SCENE II. A field between the two camps.▸SCENE III. The British camp near Dover.

    Characters

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    King LearKing of BritainCordeliaLear's youngest daughterEdmundIllegitimate son of the Earl of GloucesterGonerilLear's eldest daughter, Duchess of Albany

    Famous Quotes

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    “Nothing will come of nothing: speak again.”

    King Lear — Act 1, Scene 1

    “How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is To have a thankless child!”

    King Lear — Act 1, Scene 4

    “I am a man More sinn'd against than sinning.”

    King Lear — Act 3, Scene 2

    Further Reading

    Top 10 Shakespearean Insults: Shakespearean Insults Generator, & Quiz

    Discover Shakespeare's most savage insults, try our Shakespearean Insults Generator, and test your knowledge with the Shakespearean Insults Quiz.

    Best Lines by Shakespeare: Quotes on Life, Love and More

    A curated collection of Shakespeare's most famous lines, organised by theme, from love and loss to daily wisdom, sport and celebration. Each quote includes the play it comes from and why it still resonates.

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