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King Lear is a tragedy based on the title character, and depicts themes of old age, paternal love, sibling rivalry and madness using dramatic effects and poetry. Summary Of The Book   In King Lear, the main character, King Lear, assembles his three daughters and proclaims that he wants to divide his kingdom among them. He tells them that he wants to divide the kingdom in proportion to their love for him. Regan and Goneril, two of his daughters, assert their love for the King in an exaggerated manner. Lear’s favourite, Cordelia, the most sincere daughter, refrains from making exaggerated declarations. Infuriated, the King disowns her. Following this, the Earl of Kent who tries to reason with the King is dispelled.   Moved by Cordelia’s honesty, the King of France asks for her hand in marriage. The Earl of Kent, in disguise, comes back to protect King Lear. Lear and a few companions go to live with Goneril, who treats him like an old man. He then decides to live with Regan and sends the message through the Earl of Kent. Upon his arrival, Lear is aghast to see that the Earl of Kent has been mistreated. Gloucester, Lear’s companion, notices that the sisters are ill treating Lear as well.   While the Earl of Kent tries to reunite Lear with Cordelia, Gloucester meets his own son Edgar. A battle rages between Cordelia and her sisters, which Lear sleeps through. When he awakens, he discovers that Cordelia has been defeated. His hope is to reunite with Cordelia in prison. To his dismay, orders for Cordelia’s execution have been passed. Regan and Goneril, are both in love with Gloucester’s ill-intended son, Edmund.   The book traces the fate of all these characters and details the events and the final successor to the throne. King Lear is considered one of William Shakespeare’s masterpieces. The play has been adapted into many films and television series. Though it was published in the 17th century, the popularity of this timeless classic has not waned through the years.   About William Shakespeare   William Shakespeare, called England’s National Poet and the Bard of Avon, is possibly the best poet and playwright of all time. William Shakespeare has also written other books such as Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth and Romeo And Juliet. Comedies such as The Taming Of The Shrew, Merchant Of Venice and A Midsummer Night’s Dream are also considered among his finest works. William Shakespeare is possibly one of the most praised and critiqued writers of all times. Though he was always well known for his work, it was only during the 19th century that he received a cult status among the masses. Though William Shakespeare’s date of birth is unknown, it is generally believed that he was born around the 1560’s in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. He married Anne Hathaway and had three children. William Shakespeare died on the 23rd of April, 1616, at the age of 52.