The Annotated Shakespeare: King Lear

__King Lear__, one of Shakespeare's darkest and most savage plays, tells the story of the foolish and Job-like Lear, who divides his kingdom, as he does his affections, according to vanity and whim. Lear’s failure as a father engulfs himself and his world in turmoil and tragedy. King Lear divides his kingdom among the two daughters who flatter him and banishes the third one who loves him. His eldest daughters both then reject him at their homes, so Lear goes mad and wanders through a storm. His banished daughter returns with an army, but they lose the battle and Lear, all his daughters and more, die. ([source][1]) [1]: https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/explore-shakespeare/shakespedia/shakespeares-plays/king-lear/ King Lear, one of Shakespeare's darkest and most savage plays, tells the story of the foolish and Job-like Lear, who divides his kingdom, as he does his affections, according to vanity and whim. Lear’s failure as a father engulfs himself and his world in turmoil and tragedy. Contents 7 About this book 9 Introduction 17 Textual note 29 Some essentials of the shakespearean stage 31 King Lear 35 An essay by harold bloom 229 Further reading 241 Finding list 247 King Lear is widely regarded as Shakespeare's most intense, profound and powerful tragedy.