DISCLAIMER: William Shakespeare's King
Lear began as a web site for a North Carolina State University English
calss. It has since become a resource for understanding an incredible
play. This site is not intended to be an academic resource. Whenever
possible, I have done my best to present this play in the most accurate
way I can. However, this site is in no way a substitute for reading
the play, nor is it a substitute for a good professor's lecture. Please
use this web site with this understanding.
Copyright Information: Jeremy Bandini
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use of any aspect of this site is strictly prohibited. Copyright 1998-2003
Jeremy Bandini.
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The play opens with King Lear deciding
how to retire his throne. He decides to divide his land up among
his three daughters. Whichever daughter can lavish him with the most
praise and prove they love him most, will get the best land. Regan
and Goneril are the first to profess their love to their father.
Lear is gratified and grants each a healthy portion of land. He saves
the last, but best portion of land for his youngest and favorite
daughter, Cordelia. Cordelia, unfortunately, is unwilling to lie
to her father. She will not allow herself to behave in the way her
sisters did. She simply states that she loves Lear as much as any
daughter should, no more, no less. Read more.
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