Cover of King Lear

King Lear

by William Shakespeare

Reading level
Easy
Price
Free

About the book

"King Lear" by William Shakespeare is a tragedy written in late 1605 or early 1606. Set in pre-Roman Britain, the play follows King Lear's catastrophic decision to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on their declarations of love. When his youngest daughter speaks honestly rather than flatteringly, Lear disowns her, triggering a chain of betrayals, madness, and destruction. Known for its dark tone and themes of blindness and madness, the play is regarded as one of literature's greatest achievements.

  • Tragedies (Drama)
  • Fathers and daughters
  • Inheritance and succession
  • Lear, King (Legendary character)
  • Britons
  • Kings and rulers

Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #1532. King Lear on Wikipedia.

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