Shakespeare Today: King Lear - Plot Summary

The video provides a plot summary of Shakespeare's King Lear. King Lear decides to divide his kingdom among his daughters based on their flattery, leading to the banishment of his honest daughter, Cordelia. Meanwhile, Edmund plots against his father, Gloucester, and brother, Edgar. Lear's descent into madness is exacerbated by a storm, and Gloucester is blinded by Regan and Goneril's cruelty. Cordelia returns with the French army to restore Lear's kingdom, but the battle is lost. In the end, Edmund's treachery is revealed, leading to the deaths of Goneril, Regan, Cordelia, and Lear, leaving no happy endings.

What prompts King Lear to banish his favorite daughter, Cordelia?

• She plans to overthrow him.

• She supports her sisters' claims.

• She does not flatter him with false praise.

• She refuses to marry the Duke of Burgundy.

What disguise does Edgar adopt to avoid detection?

• A nobleman

• A peasant named Poor Tom

• A merchant

• A knight

Why is Albany pleased about the French invasion?

• He seeks revenge against Edmund.

• He wants to marry Cordelia.

• He hopes it will restore Lear to power.

• He wants to expand his own territory.

What is the outcome of the battle between the French and English forces?

• The French lose, and Cordelia is captured.

• The battle ends in a stalemate.

• The English win, and Lear is captured.

• The French win and restore Lear to the throne.

What tragic event occurs between Goneril and Regan?

• They both marry Edmund.

• They reconcile and join forces.

• Goneril poisons Regan out of jealousy.

• Regan kills Goneril in a duel.

How does Edmund meet his end?

• He takes his own life.

• He dies in battle.

• He is executed by Albany.

• He is killed by Edgar in a duel.

What is Lear's state of mind at the end of the play?

• He is mad with grief and confusion.

• He is plotting revenge.

• He is content and at peace.

• He is hopeful for the future.