King Lear

William Shakespeare’s (15641616) tragedy King Lear (1608) evolves through a main plot and a subplot skilfully intertwined to stress the consequences of misjudgement, family dysfunction and government chaos. Wishing to bequeath his kingdom to his three daughters, King Lear demands their expression of love for him. While Regan and Goneril display insincere flattery, Cordelia, the youngest, says she only loves him as a daughter should love her father. The old king angrily reacts by disowning her. Soon after, however, he endures the two formers’ betrayal and realises how honest and loving Cordelia was. The latter convinces the king of France, now her husband, to invade England to rescue her father and restore the throne. Similarly, Earl Gloucester is betrayed by his son Edmund and taken care of by Edgar, whom he has disinherited due to Edmund’s calumnious accusations. The tragedy closes with several deaths, including Gloucester, Edmund, Lear and his three daughters. Ultimately, Edgar succeeds to the throne and restores the natural order.