King Lear: A TragedyKing Lear is driven to the brink of madness by his own actions when he disinherits his youngest daughter, the lovely Cordelia, because of her inability to express her love for him. Having divided his realm between his remaining daughters, Goneril and Regan, Lear is betrayed by his two foolish and deceitful children, and is left to wander the heath with only his Fool, his servant Caius, and the madman Tom O’Bedlam for company. Eventually reunited with Cordelia, Lear is too late repents his rashness, and must face the tragic consequences of his choices. Known as “The Bard of Avon,” William Shakespeare is arguably the greatest English-language writer known. Enormously popular during his life, Shakespeare’s works continue to resonate more than three centuries after his death, as has his influence on theatre and literature. Shakespeare’s innovative use of character, language, and experimentation with romance as tragedy served as a foundation for later playwrights and dramatists, and some of his most famous lines of dialogue have become part of everyday speech. HarperPerennial Classics brings great works of literature to life in digital format, upholding the highest standards in ebook production and celebrating reading in all its forms. Look for more titles in the HarperPerennial Classics collection to build your digital library. |
From inside the book
... ACaptain employed by Edmund Gentleman attendant on Cordelia A Herald Servants to Cornwall GONERIL, REGAN, CORDELIA daughters toLear Knights attending on Lear, Officers, Messengers, Soldiers, and Attendants. THE SCENE: BRITAIN.
... Cornwall. [6] GLOUCESTER Itdid always seem so to us; but now,in the division of thekingdom, it appears not which of the Dukeshe values most; forequalities are so weigh'd that curiosityin neither canmake choice ofeither's moiety. KENT Is ...
... CORNWALL, next GONERIL, REGAN, CORDELIA, with Followers. LEARAttend the LordsofFrance and Burgundy, Gloucester. GLOUCESTER I shall, my liege. [Exeunt Gloucester and Edmund. [35] LEAR Meantime we shall express our darker purpose. Give me ...
... Cornwall, And you, our no less loving sonof Albany, We havethis houra constant will to publish Our daughters' several dowers, that future strife May be prevented now. The Princes, France and Burgundy, [45] Great rivals inour youngest ...
... Cornwall? Speak. REGAN I ammade of that self metal as my sister, Andprize me ather worth. In my true heart [70] I find shenames my very deed of love; Only shecomes too short, that I profess Myself anenemy to all other joys Which the ...