Shakespeare Today: King Lear - Act 1 Summary

In this video, King Lear decides to divide his kingdom among his daughters based on their declarations of love. Goneril and Regan flatter him, but Cordelia's honesty leads to her banishment. Lear's rash decisions cause tension, and Edmund schemes against his brother Edgar to gain power. Lear's conflict with Goneril over his knights leads him to move to Regan's, while Kent disguises himself to continue serving Lear. The video concludes with messages sent to Regan and a preview of Act 2.

What prompts King Lear to banish his daughter Cordelia?

• Her alliance with France

• Her secret plan to overthrow him

• Her lack of flattery compared to her sisters

• Her refusal to marry the Duke of Burgundy

How does Edmund plan to gain power over his brother Edgar?

• By joining forces with Regan

• By convincing Gloucester that Edgar is plotting against him

• By marrying Goneril

• By allying with King Lear

What is Goneril's main complaint about King Lear's stay with her?

• His demand for more land

• His favoritism towards Regan

• His knights' unruly behavior

• His refusal to leave her castle

What role does Kent assume to continue serving King Lear?

• A servant

• A jester

• A messenger

• A knight

How does the Fool contribute to King Lear's realization of his situation?

• By plotting with Goneril against him

• By mocking his loss of authority through songs

• By advising him to reconcile with Cordelia

• By revealing Regan's true intentions