King Lear
First published 1608 · English · 437 pages
- Drama
- Historical fiction
- Young adult
King Lear is a tragedy about an aging king of Britain who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters according to how much each says she loves him. His youngest, Cordelia, refuses to flatter him, and his anger sets off a chain of troubles. A parallel story follows the Earl of Gloucester and his two sons. The play looks at family loyalty, pride, old age, madness and justice, and it is often seen as one of Shakespeare's deepest and most demanding works.
Quotes
Nothing will come of nothing.
How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child!
When we are born, we cry that we are come to this great stage of fools.
Unhappy that I am, I cannot heaveMy heart into my mouth: I love your majestyAccording to my bond; no more nor less.