Drama,History
United Kingdom
King Lear is a tragic play written by William Shakespeare in the early 17th century. The story revolves around King Lear, who divides his kingdom among his three daughters, Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia, according to who loves him the most. Goneril and Regan falsely profess their love for him to gain a share of the kingdom, while Cordelia, who truly loves her father, refuses to flatter him and is cast out.
Soon after the division of the kingdom, Goneril and Regan show their true colors and strip Lear of his authority. He is forced to flee his own castle and is eventually reduced to a state of madness. Along the way, he discovers the truth about his daughters and the loyal subjects who remain faithful to him, including his friend Gloucester and his loyal court jester, the Fool.
Despite his suffering, Lear never loses his humanity and learns the importance of true love and loyalty. The play ends with his ultimate downfall and the deaths of his daughters, leaving Lear to reflect on the tragedy of his life.
The story is a timeless exploration of familial relationships, power, greed, and the fragility of human life. It has been adapted into numerous films, with notable performances by actors such as Laurence Olivier, Ian McKellen, and Anthony Hopkins.
