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Jan 22, 2017Nymeria23 rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Somehow I forgot this was a tragedy and had my heart set on a happy ending. No such luck. Heart has been torn. King Lear decides that, as his reign begins to draw closer to its end, it would be better to divide his kingdom among his three daughters prematurely to his death. The eldest are married, but his favorite Cordelia is still juggling suitors. In a public meeting turned family squabble, King Lear asks his daughters to proclaim how great their love is for him as he portions his land for them. The first two, with false sweetness, use highly flattering yet vague diction, but earn their father's favor. Cordelia, however, doesn't attempt to compete with them and their insincere flattery. Instead, she says there is nothing she can say for the love she has for her father- he already knows how deeply she loves him. The King, however, takes this as a slight and as ungratefulness, and in a rage, he strips Cordelia of her inheritance and banishes her from his sight. Thus begins the downfall of King Lear. Much trickery, betrayal and death ensue in this almost-Grecian-styled play of Shakespeare.