Study Guide

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The King Lear Study Guide
Record your observations after you finish studying each scene in the play. You may use point form in your response. The scene summaries below come from: Shakespeare, William. The tragedy of King Lear with related readings. ITP International Thomson Pub., 1998.
Act I
Scene 1 Summary
King Lear (over 80 years old) has decided to abdicate his power and divide his kingdom among his daughters. The daughter who professes the most love for him will receive the richest part of the kingdom. The two older daughters play the game, but Cordelia refuses to flatter her father and is disowned for her reluctance. Kent is banished for defending Cordelia. Despite Cordelia’s loss of dowry, the King of France agrees to marry her.
Scene 1
Focus Questions
Act I opens with the Earl of Gloucester and Kent discussing two different fathers’ love for their children. How does this set the stage for what is to follow in the play?
The love test at the start of the play clearly sets the tone of the whole play. The tone is full of conspiracy, double-talk and emotional subtlety that swing between the extremes of anger and love.
2.Why would dividing his kingdom in this way be dangerous for Lear?
The division will lead to sibling rivalry amongst his children.
What evidence indicates that Lear loves Cordelia more than he loves his other daughters?
He gives Cordelia the richest part of his kingdom.
4.What positive character traits does Cordelia exhibit?
She had the trait of Equality.

She feels that her father was not acting fairly to her other sibling.
5.Is Lear justified in his treatment of Cordelia?
He was supposed to look into the issue before making his judgments (Shakespeare 86). He could have probably sat down with Cordelia to know why she refused the share.

Scene 2 Summary
Edmund, Gloucester’s illegitimate son, tricks his father into believing that his legitimate son, Edgar, is plotting to kill Gloucester. Edmund agrees to place Gloucester where he can overhear Edgar and determine his true nature. Later, Edmund tells Edgar that he should go into hiding to escape Gloucester’s anger.
Scene 2
Focus Questions
1.What plan has Edmund, the illegitimate son of Gloucester, devised?
He is planning to trick his father so that he can get a share of his father’s wealth.
How does Gloucester feel about his two sons?
He feels that Edmund is a bustard thus Edgar is the right person who should inherit his wealth (Shakespeare 116).
3.Based on Edmund’s closing speech, what do you predict will happen to Gloucester?
The speech might have made Gloucester to change his decision upon his wealth inheritance
Scene 3 Summary
Goneril is growing impatient with the conduct of her father and his knights. She consequently instructs Oswald and her servants to be negligent in their duty to the King.
Scene 3
Focus Questions
1.What dramatic purpose does this short scene serve?
Goneril believes that his father Lear is becoming unreasonable thus he is planning to take away authority from him with support from Reagan.

Scene 4 Summary
Having disguised himself, Kent is admitted into Lear’s service. Kent trips and strikes Oswald for insulting Lear. After complaining about the conduct of her father’s men, Goneril demands that Lear reduce their number to 50. Lear curses Goneril for her ingratitude and sets off to stay with Regan. Goneril sends letters to her sister to inform her of what has occurred.
Scene 4 Focus Questions
1.The Fool has some significant lines in this section. What are some elements of truth that he speaks in this scene? Fool believes that lear made a great mistake of sharing his power basing on the goodwill of his daughters (Shakespeare 186). Fool is very true in that after lear shares his kingdom he was left with nothing and none of his daughters ready to assist him.
2.King Lear sends Kent on ahead with letters he has written for Regan. What does King Lear wish to communicate to Regan?
He sent the letter to inform Regan asking for accommodation in his place.
3.Is King Lear justified in cursing Goneril? How does this exacerbate the negative feelings? He is not justifiable owing to the fact that he ought to have shared his kingdom amongst all his children without discrimination
Scene 5 Summary
Lear sends Kent ahead with letters for Regan. Lear and the Fool banter with each other before setting off themselves for Regan’s.
Scene 5
Focus Questions
1.What two things does the Fool say that make sense?
He opposes lears unfair sharing of his kingdom with daughters.
He prophesies the end of cheating and corruption in Britain(Shakespeare 195).

Act II
Scene 1 Summary
Edmund, furthering his plot, persuades Edgar to run away from home. As Gloucester is now convinced of Edgar’s plot, he declares that Edmund will be his heir. Cornwall and Regan arrive to support efforts to capture Edgar, and Edmund joins up with Regan and Cornwall.
Scene 1
Focus Questions
1.In Scene 1, Edmund calls upon the goddess Fortune. What are the circumstances for doing this?
He wants to be the heir of his father’s property.
2.What action does Edmund take that convinces others, especially Gloucester, of Edgar’s seeming betrayal and plan?
He writes letters containing false information tarnishing Edgar’s name.
Scene 2 Summary
Oswald encounters Kent, they argue, and Kent beats Oswald. Cornwall and Regan put Kent in the stocks even though he has messages from the King. The letter states that Cordelia is returning from France to assist her father.
Scene 2
Focus Questions
How does Kent conduct himself during his interrogation by Cornwall and Regan? If you were Kent’s friend, what advice would you give him?
I would have advised him to look for better strategies of solving conflict rather than fighting.
2.Kent takes pride in being honest and speaking plainly. How honestly has he described the events that led to his confinement in the stocks?
He went ahead to be Oswald on the ground that Oswald was always against the king whom he truly and honestly serves (Shakespeare 226).

Scene 3 Summary
Edgar has escaped capture and is hiding in a tree. He then disguises himself as a mad beggar.
Scene 3
Focus Questions
In order to evade capture, Edgar disguises himself. Why do you think he chooses the guise of a mad beggar?
He was shocked by the false allegation made by Edmund.
Scene 4 Summary
Lear arrives at Gloucester’s castle and is angered that Kent has been put in the stocks and that Regan and Cornwall won’t speak with him. Goneril arrives and the two sisters join forces and tell Lear that they won’t allow him to stay unless he dismisses all of his knights. In a rage, Lear leaves as a violent storm erupts.
Scene 4
Focus Questions
How would you define and characterize Regan and Goneril’s alliance against their father? Is it doomed?
They were morally and ethically right. The father is not supposed to live in the daughter’s home.
2.What dramatic purposes do you think the storm might serve at the end of this scene?
Lear is likely to curse the daughters in the name of lack of respect to him.

Act III
Scene 1 Summary
While searching for Lear, Kent meets a Gentleman who informs him that the King, accompanied by the Fool, is raging at the storm. Kent tells the Gentleman that the French forces are about to land and are ready to assist Lear.
Scene 1
Focus Questions 1.What are five plot developments discussed in this scene?
Rumors about the war between Albany and Cornwall. Cordelia’s responds to the letter read by kent. Cordelia’s uses spies as her informers. Rectification of the abuses made to the king by his daughters (Shakespeare 256). Liberation of lear by his daughter Cordelia.
2.What will become of Lear?
He will cease to be the king since he is old
3.What actions might be expected from Goneril, Regan, and their husbands?
They are going to join hands in trying to unite their family.
4.What role might Cordelia play in subsequent scenes?
Plays the role of a mediator.
Scene 2 Summary
Kent finds Lear and the Fool braving the storm. He convinces them to seek shelter in a dry hovel.
Scene 2
Focus Questions
1.Analyze one of Lear’s speeches in this scene.
He is lamenting over the storm which he is facing at the hands of his daughters. Through the speeches we are able to judge his perception towards women.
2.The Fool’s prophecy (lines 94–98) contains many statements. What do they have in common? Rewrite the Fool’s prophecies using modern details and vocabulary.
The prophecies are talking of chaos that is likely to erupt in Britain.
Scene 3 Summary
Disobeying Cornwall’s orders, Gloucester tells Edmund that he will help Lear. Gloucester then reveals the location of a letter containing information about the impending French invasion. When Gloucester leaves, Edmund announces that he will betray his father, thereby gaining his father’s title.
Scene 3
Focus Questions
1.What dramatic purpose does this short scene serve?
It represents betrayal in almost all the characters.
2.Based on Edmund’s closing speech, what do you predict will happen to Gloucester by the end of the play?
He finally betrays his father and becomes the king.
Scene 4 Summary
With the storm still raging, Kent, Lear, and the Fool seek shelter in a hovel. There they meet Edgar, who is disguised as a mad beggar. Gloucester arrives and takes them to warmer quarters in the farmhouse of his castle.
Scene 4
Focus Questions
1.Which speeches in this scene suggest that Lear is undergoing a transformation?
Cursing of kent after he said that lear has no daughters.
2.This speech (lines 26–38) marks the turning point of the play, the beginning of King Lear’s redemption through suffering. What is significant in this speech?
The suffering signifies that lear will not be in a position to serve as the king.
3.Irony occurs when language contains two meanings—the meaning the characters perceive as well as the meaning that readers and viewers perceive because they have knowledge that the characters do not possess. This scene, more than most, derives its effectiveness from irony. Reread the scene carefully, and compile a list of all the ironies you can find. What are the three greatest incidents of irony? Why?
Lear curse kent for claiming that has no daughters despite the fact that all his daughters are against him

Scene 5 Summary
Edmund tells Cornwall about the letter Gloucester has received from France. Cornwall orders Gloucester’s arrest and promises to reward Edmund’s loyalty by making him Earl of Gloucester.
Scene 5
Focus Questions
1.This scene begins in the middle of a conversation between Cornwall and Edmund. This technique is called “in medias res,” meaning “in the middle of things.” What is the dramatic value of only providing the end of this conversation and not the whole thing? It gives a summary of all happening of the whole scene.
Scene 6 Summary
Lear and his company are safe inside a farmhouse. Lear mistakes two stools for Goneril and Regan and puts them on trial for their mistreatment of him. Gloucester brings news that the King’s life is in danger and that they must immediately flee to Dover.
Scene 6
Focus Questions
1.What is the dramatic reason for eliminating the Fool’s character at this point in the play?
Lear’s people of interest in the context were only Regan and Goneril
2.Gloucester announces that he has heard of a plot to kill Lear. Who do you think would be behind this plot? What could the plotters gain through Lear’s death?
Edmund so that he could take his position as a king.

Scene 7 Summary
Cornwall and Regan capture Gloucester, interrogate him briefly, and then take out his eyes. Cornwall is injured when an outraged servant attacks him. Regan kills the servant and the blinded Gloucester is forced to leave his castle and “smell his way to Dover” (III, vii, 106–107).
Scene 7
Focus Questions Line 63: The Elizabethan’s enjoyed the violent sport of bear-baiting. Dogs attacked a bear tied to a stake, and the spectators wagered on the results. Gloucester compares himself to the bear and recognizes that he is doomed. Why would Gloucester feel that comparing himself to the bear was valid?
After becoming blind he has no idea of what is happening around him. He is fearful just like the bear.
2.Scene 7 is one of the most violent scenes in all of Shakespeare’s works, challenging actors and directors who wish to present this scene tastefully and effectively. How would you stage the blinding of Gloucester? It was a way of punishing for reveling the secrets of Regan and Cornwall
Many directors omit the short exchange between the servants at the end of this scene. What would be the reason for keeping it in, and why might directors remove it? What important dramatic function might it serve?
It could have alerted the others people in scene.

Act IV
Scene 1 Summary
Gloucester, led by an Old Man, meets the disguised Edgar. Gloucester convinces Edgar to take him to the cliffs of Dover.
Scene 1
Focus Questions 1.What does Gloucester mean when he says, “When all is well, we take things for granted; adversity proves to be an advantage in forcing us to see life as it really is” (Sidenote: IV, i, 23–24)?
Gloucester after becoming recognizes that he need Edgar whom he used to see as a mad man.
What does Gloucester mean by these famous lines: “As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods? They kill us for their sport” (IV, i, 43–44)?
Regan and Cornwall removed him eyes for their personal gain.
Some critics claim that King Lear is one of the darkest tragedies ever written because it is bereft of hope. To what extent does Edgar in this scene prove or disprove this opinion?
Edgar takes the role of a mad man in fear of being killed by his father after the false allegation.
Scene 2 Summary
Outside Albany’s castle, Goneril and Edmund hear from Oswald that the Duke is upset and not acting like his former self. Goneril sends Edmund back to Regan. While Albany rebukes his wife for taking part in driving Lear mad, a Messenger arrives with news of Gloucester’s blinding. Albany vows to avenge this foul deed.
Scene 2
Focus Questions 1.Contrast the way in which Goneril and Albany react to the news of Cornwall’s death. How may his death complicate the plot?
They view it as a reward from a higher force for Cornwall’s criminal activities.
2. It appears that both Regan and Goneril want Edmund for a husband. Make two predictions about how this complicated situation will resolve itself.
Regan will be prisoned for committing murder thus Edmund will marry Goneril.
Scene 3 Summary
Kent, still in disguise, learns from a Gentleman that the King of France has returned home, leaving Cordelia in charge of the French army. The Gentleman describes Cordelia’s deep concern for her father, and Kent reveals that Lear is in Dover but refuses to see Cordelia out of shame for the way he treated her.
Scene 3
Focus Questions 1.What is a possible dramatic purpose of this scene?
It shows Cordelia as the ideal daughter of lear.
2.What new information does this scene reveal?
It reveals clearly the relationship between Cordelia and King Lear.
3.What rationale does Kent offer for holding the belief in the influence of the stars on human destiny?
He believes that people’s condition is guarded by the stars.
Scene 4 Summary
Cordelia sends soldiers to look for her father. A messenger brings word that the British forces are approaching.
Scene 4
Focus Questions 1.From Cordelia’s speeches what aspects of her personality seem to be revealed?
She has a loving character. She want to know where about her father lear.

Scene 5 Summary
Oswald tells Regan that Goneril and Albany are approaching, but he will not give her the letter he carries from Goneril to Edmund. Regan argues that she has a better claim than Goneril to be Edmund’s wife.
Scene 5
Focus Questions
1.Why does Oswald not wish to give up the letter?
The message in the letter was about the murder of Albany.
What is Regan’s argument that she should be Edmund’s wife?
She says she have a better claim which make her feel she should be Edmund’s wife.
Scene 6 Summary
Edgar, still in disguise, escorts his father to a plain. Thinking he has reached the cliffs of Dover, Gloucester tries to leap to his death but is unharmed. Lear appears, and then runs off when Cordelia’s rescue party arrives. Oswald finds Gloucester and attempts to kill him but is himself killed by Edgar. Searching Oswald, Edgar discovers a letter in which Goneril asks Edmund to murder Albany.
Scene 6
Focus Questions 1.Edgar literally lies to Gloucester after Gloucester “jumps” off of Dover cliff; however, he does speak a symbolical truth. How has this occurred?
He convinces that the Gloucester’s sight affected other senses.
2.In this scene, King Lear alternates between wisdom and confusion, authority and fragility. How are different levels of meaning demonstrated in King Lear’s longer speeches? All the speeches clearly show his perception towards women. According to him he is suffering as at the hand of his daughters.
Scene 7 Summary
A Doctor and Cordelia tend the sleeping Lear. When Lear awakes, he is calm and recognizes his daughter. Kent reports that the British forces are rapidly approaching and that the decisive battle will soon be fought.
Scene 7
Focus Questions
1.How has Cordelia’s character changed from the beginning of the play?
At the beginning she had no love for his father but in this scene she is taking care of him.

Act V
Scene 1 Summary
To deal with Cordelia’s army, Albany joins forces with Edmund and Regan. Edgar, still in disguise, gives Albany the letter he found on Oswald’s body and claims he knows someone who will challenge Edmund. Edmund reveals his plan to become sole ruler of England by arranging the deaths of Albany, Lear, and Cordelia.
Scene 1
Focus Questions
1.In this scene, choose three major characters and one quotation for each character that you think reveals an essential element of his or her personality or motivation.
Edmund is jealous. He is plotting to kill Albany in order to have Regina or Goneril as his wife.
Regina is envy to her sister Goneril (Shakespeare 328). She states she has a plan to kill her so that she can be married by Edmund.
Edgar is a very caring person. He chooses to safe Albany from being murdered by the people he trusted most.
2. Why does Edgar choose to inform Albany of Goneril’s letter in the manner that he does?
He wants to save from being killed by Edmund who was his best friend.
Scene 2 Summary
Cordelia’s army prepares for battle. Edgar hides his father and then joins the battle. He returns quickly from battle with news that the French forces have been defeated and that Cordelia and Lear have been captured.
Scene 2
Focus Questions
1.What is the significance of this very short scene?
It reveals that Lear’s family is now together again after the division.

Scene 3 Summary
The battle over, Edmund sends Lear and Cordelia to prison under guard and secretly orders a Captain to kill them both. Albany accuses Edmund and Goneril of treason. Regan announces that she and Edmund will be married but is poisoned by Goneril, who later kills herself. Summoned by a herald, Edgar engages Edmund in a duel and fatally wounds him. It is revealed that Gloucester has died. Lear carries in Cordelia’s body, and then also dies. Albany resigns his power, leaving Edgar to rule England.
Scene 3
Focus Questions
1.Cordelia speaks five lines in this scene. How are these lines different from the rest of the play? Explain why the first two lines of her speech would make a fitting epitaph for her (V, iii, 4–8).
She reveals how she struggled to save his father. Secondly she also explained the love she had to protect their kingdom from being evaded by the French (Shakespeare 386).
2.Why did Albany stop the fight before Edgar could kill Edmund?
It was a sign of respect for Edgar for saving him from death plotted by Goneril.
3. Does King Lear die joyfully, believing that Cordelia lives? Or is he grief-stricken with the realization that she is dead?
He dies after realizing that her daughter Cordelia is dead.
Work cited
Shakespeare, William. Tragedy of King Lear. Harper, 1885.83-398