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King Lear is divided into five acts, each containing multiple scenes. Here's a brief outline:​ Act I: King Lear decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia, based on their professions of love. Cordelia's refusal to flatter him leads to her disinheritance. Lear's decision sets off a chain of events leading to his downfall.​ Act II: Lear begins to experience the consequences of his actions as Goneril and Regan's true natures emerge.​ Act III: Lear's mental state deteriorates as he grapples with betrayal and madness.​ Act IV: Lear's journey towards redemption and reconciliation begins, but tragedy looms.​ Act V: The play concludes with a tragic resolution, highlighting themes of justice, loyalty, and the human condition.

📝 Summary King Lear is a tragic drama that centers around an aging monarch who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on their declarations of love. Deceived by the flattering words of Goneril and Regan, and hurt by Cordelia’s honesty, Lear disinherits Cordelia. His decision leads to betrayal, political chaos, and personal suffering. As Lear descends into madness, the kingdom crumbles around him, culminating in tragic losses and the ultimate downfall of both the king and his legacy. 📄 Abstract William Shakespeare’s King Lear is one of his darkest and most profound tragedies. The play explores themes of authority, family, justice, madness, and human suffering. It uses the downfall of a once-powerful king to examine the consequences of pride and poor judgment, and the fragility of human relationships when tested by greed and ambition. Through its parallel plot involving the Earl of Gloucester and his sons, the play also critiques social blindness and the abuse of power. ⭐ Review King Lear is widely regarded as one of Shakespeare’s greatest works and a pinnacle of English literature. Critics and scholars praise its intense emotional depth, its powerful use of poetic language, and its timeless relevance. The character arc of Lear—from regal arrogance to humbled despair—is considered a masterpiece of dramatic transformation. Audiences are drawn to the moral complexity and raw emotional truths of the play, which continues to inspire adaptations in theater, film, and literature.

🎯 Target Audience Note This edition is ideal for: Students: Particularly those studying GCSE, A-Level, or university-level English literature. Educators and Scholars: Who require a reliable edition for teaching or analysis. General Readers: With an interest in classic drama, tragedy, and philosophical themes. Theater Professionals: Actors, directors, and dramaturgs who are staging or studying the play. The Collins Classics edition typically features the original text with modern formatting and helpful annotations, making it accessible for both new and experienced readers of Shakespeare.