King Lear is Shakespeare's bleakest and profoundest tragedy, a searing dramatization of humankind at the edge of apocalypse that explores the family and the nature of being with passion, poetry, and dark humor.
Under the editorial supervision of Jonathan Bate and Eric Rasmussen, two of today's most accomplished Shakespearean scholars, this Modern Library series incorporates definitive texts and authoritative notes from William Shakespeare: Complete Works. Each play includes an Introduction as well as an overview of Shakespeare's theatrical career; commentary on past and current productions based on interviews with leading directors, actors, and designers; scene-by-scene analysis; key facts about the work; a chronology of Shakespeare's life and times; and black-and-white illustrations.
Ideal for students, theater professionals, and general readers, these modern and accessible editions set a new standard in Shakespearean literature for the twenty-first century.
Under the editorial supervision of Jonathan Bate and Eric Rasmussen, two of today's most accomplished Shakespearean scholars, this Modern Library series incorporates definitive texts and authoritative notes from William Shakespeare: Complete Works. Each play includes an Introduction as well as an overview of Shakespeare's theatrical career; commentary on past and current productions based on interviews with leading directors, actors, and designers; scene-by-scene analysis; key facts about the work; a chronology of Shakespeare's life and times; and black-and-white illustrations.
Ideal for students, theater professionals, and general readers, these modern and accessible editions set a new standard in Shakespearean literature for the twenty-first century.
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Publisher:
New York : Dover Publications, 1994
ISBN:
9780812969115
9780486280585
0486280586
9780486280585
0486280586
Branch Call Number:
S
Characteristics:
118 p.
Opinion
From the critics
Comment
Add a CommentSomehow I forgot this was a tragedy and had my heart set on a happy ending.
No such luck. Heart has been torn.
King Lear decides that, as his reign begins to draw closer to its end, it would be better to divide his kingdom among his three daughters prematurely to his death. The eldest are married, but his favorite Cordelia is still juggling suitors.
In a public meeting turned family squabble, King Lear asks his daughters to proclaim how great their love is for him as he portions his land for them. The first two, with false sweetness, use highly flattering yet vague diction, but earn their father's favor. Cordelia, however, doesn't attempt to compete with them and their insincere flattery. Instead, she says there is nothing she can say for the love she has for her father- he already knows how deeply she loves him.
The King, however, takes this as a slight and as ungratefulness, and in a rage, he strips Cordelia of her inheritance and banishes her from his sight.
Thus begins the downfall of King Lear.
Much trickery, betrayal and death ensue in this almost-Grecian-styled play of Shakespeare.
Who cannot like Shakespeare? Great story and easy to understand with notes.