Note Card for King Lear

Author: M. William Shak-speare

Full Title: The True Chronicle and Historie of the Life and Death of King Lear and his Three Daughters. With the Unfortunate Life if Edgar, Son and Heir to the Earle of Gloster, and his Sullen and Assumed Humor of Tom of Bedlam: As it was played before the Kings Majestie at Whitehall upon S. Stephans Night in Christmas Hillidayes. By his Majesties servants playing usually at the Gloabe on the Bancke-side.

First Written: 1606

First Published for Drama: 1608

First Collected into Works: 1623

First performed for King James I for Christmas in 1606.

Historical Background: King Lear belongs to the mythical past of England. Both Raphael Holinshed (_Chronicles_) and Geoffrey of Monmouth (_Historia Britonum_) treat Lear as a real king. The original story, however, has Cordelia living and sharing rule with her father after they've overcome their oppressors.

Some Significant Themes:
Sight may blind; blindness may bring sight.
Nothing comes of nothing. (Lear)
Words and actions weave our destiny.

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