King Lear: A Summary

King Lear is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, written in 1605. It tells the story of King Lear, who decides to relinquish his power to his three daughters in exchange for declarations of love, leading to a tragic series of events.

Main Plot

King Lear: The elderly king who wishes to retire and splits his realm among his daughters based on their declarations of love.
Daughters: Goneril, Regan (who deceitfully shower Lear with false declarations of love), and Cordelia (honest but unable to flatter Lear, gets disinherited).
Kingdom's Division: This leads to a power struggle, Goneril and Regan end up with equal shares and plot against Lear.
Cordelia: Marries the King of France and is ultimately exiled.
Earl of Gloucester & Kent: Gloucester’s legitimate son, Edgar, is tricked by the illegitimate son Edmund, who stirs up trouble to gain inheritance. Kent remains loyal to Lear.
Edmund: The play's main villain who manipulates others, betray his father, and plots against his brother.

Key Events

In the beginning: Lear divides his kingdom and disowns Cordelia for not flattering him. Kent is also banished for defending Cordelia.
Plots & Manipulations: Edmund deceives Gloucester into thinking Edgar is against him. Goneril and Regan plan to rid themselves of Lear's knights.
Lear's Decline: Lear stays with Goneril, who diminishes his retinue. Lear leaves for Regan’s, but faces similar rejection, which drives him into the storm where he descends into madness.
Storm Scene: Lear rages against the gods with only Kent and the Fool for company. They encounter “Poor Tom,” Edgar in disguise.
Gloucester's Fate: Blinded by Regan and Cornwall for aiding Lear. Edgar, in disguise, helps him after he tries to commit suicide.
French Invasion: Cordelia and the King of France invade to restore Lear.
Final Conflicts: Edmund wins the affection of both Goneril and Regan. He captures Lear and Cordelia in battle, orders their deaths.
Revelations & Deaths: Edgar reveals his identity, defeats Edmund. Goneril poisons Regan out of jealousy, then kills herself. Lear finds Cordelia dead and dies of grief.

Themes

Pride and Hubris: Lear's downfall is triggered by his pride and need for flattery. He learns too late the value of genuine love and humility.
Justice and Karma: The play questions the moral order as many good characters like Cordelia meet tragic ends, while evildoers like Edmund face complex fates.
Nihilism: Characters, like Lear and Gloucester, express views that life is meaningless and suffering is random.
Reconciliation and Forgiveness: Lear and Cordelia’s reconciliation shows deep, sacrificial love. Edgar’s forgiveness of his father Gloucester highlights noble behaviors amidst chaos.

Notable Characters

King Lear: Protagonist, whose pride leads to his tragic end. He gains wisdom at the cost of his sanity and life.
Cordelia: Represents loyalty and honesty. Her love for Lear is constant and true despite her father's mistreatment.
Edmund: The scheming antagonist driven by the desire to overcome the stigma of being illegitimate.
The Fool: Provides critical commentary on Lear’s actions, often speaking truths others dare not say.
Edgar: Displays patience and nobility, forgiving his father and brother despite their betrayals.

Critical Scenes

Love Test: Lear's demand for declarations of love from his daughters sets the tragedy in motion.
Storm Scene: Symbolizes Lear's inner turmoil and descent into madness.
Blinding of Gloucester: Shows the extent of cruelty in the play and Edgar’s compassion disguised as “Poor Tom”.
Lear's Death: Lear dies heartbroken with Cordelia in his arms, symbolizing the ultimate tragic downfall.