Story of King lear | Completing Story

Story of King lear | Completing Story

The Story of King Lear

King Lear, an aging monarch of ancient Britain, decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters: Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia. He hopes to spend his remaining years free from the burdens of ruling. To determine the size of their inheritance, Lear demands that each daughter profess her love for him.

Goneril and Regan, the eldest daughters, flatter their father with grandiose declarations of love. However, Cordelia, the youngest and Lear's favorite, refuses to engage in empty flattery. She simply states that she loves him "according to her bond, no more, nor less." Enraged by her perceived lack of affection, Lear disowns Cordelia and divides the kingdom between Goneril and Regan.

Soon after, Lear discovers that Goneril and Regan's professed love was insincere. They strip him of his authority and treat him with contempt. Lear, now powerless and driven mad by betrayal, wanders the countryside during a severe storm.

Meanwhile, Cordelia, who has married the King of France, learns of her father's plight. She returns with a French army to rescue Lear. However, before they can reunite and restore order, the English forces, led by Goneril and Regan, defeat the French. Cordelia is captured and ultimately hanged in prison.

The story concludes in tragedy. Overwhelmed by grief, King Lear dies holding Cordelia's body. Goneril poisons Regan out of jealousy and then takes her own life. The kingdom is left in chaos, and the surviving characters, including Lear's loyal friend, the Duke of Kent, and the nobleman Edgar, are left to restore order.