Structure and Summary (King Lear)

This section explains the structure and provides a summary of the play King Lear by William Shakespeare.

Structure of the Play

King Lear follows a conventional five-act structure typical of Shakespeare's tragedies. Each act contributes to the development of themes, character arcs, and the tragic progression of the plot.

Act 1: Exposition

Introduction to Characters and Conflict: King Lear, preparing for his retirement, decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia. The act sets up the main conflict as Lear’s decision leads to his eventual downfall. The subplot involving Gloucester, Edgar, and Edmund is also introduced, mirroring the central plot.

Act 2: Rising Action

Loyalty and Betrayal Emerge: Tensions escalate as Lear realises the ingratitude of Goneril and Regan. Lear’s authority is undermined, and he begins his descent into madness. In the subplot, Edmund betrays his father, Gloucester, creating further intrigue and treachery.

Act 3: Climax

Lear’s Madness and Political Chaos: The storm scene marks the emotional climax of Lear’s journey, representing his psychological breakdown. Meanwhile, political turmoil heightens as Gloucester is betrayed and blinded by Cornwall and Regan. The chaos in both family and state reaches a critical point.

Act 4: Falling Action

The Consequences of Actions Unfold: Lear becomes increasingly disconnected from reality, yet gains insight into the human condition. Cordelia returns to rescue him. In the subplot, Edgar helps his blinded father, Gloucester, and reveals his true identity.

Act 5: Catastrophe/Denouement

Resolution of the Tragedy: The tragic ending sees the deaths of many central characters, including Lear, Cordelia, Regan, Goneril, and Edmund. Edgar survives and inherits the broken kingdom, representing the restoration of order after the chaos.

Shakespeare uses parallel plots (Lear’s and Gloucester’s) to explore the themes of loyalty, betrayal, madness, and the natural order. The dramatic structure underscores the inevitability of tragedy, highlighting the flaws of the characters, especially Lear's fatal error in judgement.

Summary of the Play

Act 1

The play begins with King Lear announcing his intention to divide his kingdom among his three daughters: Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia. To determine the division, he asks each daughter to declare how much she loves him. Goneril and Regan flatter him with extravagant speeches, but Cordelia, the youngest and most beloved, refuses to exaggerate her love, saying she loves him "according to her bond, no more nor less". In anger, Lear disinherits her and divides her share between Goneril and Regan. The King of France marries Cordelia despite her lack of a dowry, and she leaves for France.

Meanwhile, the subplot introduces the nobleman Gloucester and his two sons: Edgar (legitimate) and Edmund (illegitimate). Edmund schemes to discredit Edgar and claim his inheritance, convincing Gloucester that Edgar is plotting to kill him.

Lear soon discovers that Goneril and Regan's professions of love were false when they begin to strip him of power and treat him with disdain. Goneril, who houses Lear first, complains about the behaviour of Lear's retinue, and Lear leaves in anger to seek Regan’s support.

Act 2

Lear arrives at Regan's house only to find that she and her husband, Cornwall, side with Goneril. Both daughters refuse to house Lear and demand he dismisses his knights. Lear is outraged by their ingratitude and realises he is powerless. As his mental state deteriorates, Lear heads out into a violent storm, accompanied by his loyal servant, the Fool, and Kent (who is disguised as a common man after being banished by Lear earlier for defending Cordelia).

Edmund betrays his father Gloucester by revealing his loyalty to Lear to Cornwall and Regan, prompting them to accuse Gloucester of treason.

Act 3

In the iconic storm scene, Lear rages against the elements, a reflection of his inner turmoil and growing madness. Gloucester aids Lear, despite the danger, and attempts to shelter him.

Meanwhile, Edmund’s betrayal is complete when Gloucester is captured by Cornwall and Regan. Gloucester is blinded as punishment for his support of Lear, and Regan throws him out of his own castle. Edgar, in disguise as the mad beggar Poor Tom, meets his father, now blind, and cares for him, though Gloucester is unaware of his identity.

Act 4

As Lear continues his journey through madness, he is found and taken to safety by Cordelia, who has returned to England with French forces to restore her father to the throne. Lear, now more humble and self-aware, is reunited with Cordelia, though he remains mentally fragile.

Goneril and Regan’s rivalry intensifies as they both desire Edmund, now a key military figure. Goneril plots to kill her husband, Albany, in order to be with Edmund.

Act 5

The final act leads to a catastrophic conclusion. Goneril poisons Regan to secure Edmund for herself but is later driven to suicide when Albany discovers her plot. Edmund orders the execution of Cordelia and Lear, but too late, as he repents before dying from wounds inflicted by Edgar in a duel.

Lear kills the executioner but is devastated to find Cordelia already dead. Overcome with grief, Lear dies, holding Cordelia’s body. Albany and Edgar are left to restore order to the kingdom, though the ending remains deeply tragic and bleak.

Key Points of Focus

Parallel Plots: The main plot (Lear and his daughters) and the subplot (Gloucester and his sons) mirror each other, both involving themes of familial betrayal and loyalty.

Madness and Insight: Lear's descent into madness leads to his growth in wisdom and understanding of human suffering.

Authority and Chaos: The play explores the breakdown of political authority and the consequences of dividing power, reflecting concerns about the natural order and justice.

Blindness and Insight: Physical blindness (Gloucester) and metaphorical blindness (Lear) are significant motifs, symbolising characters' inability to see the truth.