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
... thought the King had more affected the Duke of Albany than 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 ...
... . KENT Good my liege [120] LEAR Peace, Kent! Come not between the dragon and his wrath. I lov'd her most, and thought to set my rest On her kind nursery. [To Cordelia] Hence, and avoid my sight! So be my grave my peace as here I give.
... thought onin myprayers LEAR The bow is bent and drawn; make from the shaft. KENT Let it fall rather, though the fork invade The region of myheart. Be Kent unmannerly [145] When Lear is mad. What wouldst thoudo,old man? Think'st thou ...