King Lear by William Shakespeare: Summary and Themes
King Lear is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, first published or performed around c.1606. This study guide gives a summary, themes and revision tips.
Summary
An aging king divides his kingdom among his daughters and is betrayed by two of them.
Key Themes
The main themes are power, family and madness.
Quick Facts
| Title | King Lear |
|---|---|
| Author | William Shakespeare |
| Date | c.1606 |
| Form | tragedy |
Study Questions
- How does William Shakespeare present the theme of power?
- Which characters or images best express the central ideas of King Lear?
- How does the tragedy form shape the reader's response?