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King Lear plot summary - Coggle Diagram
King Lear plot summary
ACT 1
Scene 1
Gloucester introduces Kent to his illegitimate son, Edmund, who is visiting him after 9 years abroad
Gloucester says he loves Edmond as much as his legitimate son Edgar, yet he talks lewdly about his conception and calls him a 'whoreson' (line 23)
The elderly King Lear announces he wants to rid himself of the cares of the state, while keeping the title and status of a king
He will use a love test to divide the kingdom between his 3 daughters. His 2 elder daughters flatter him, but his favourite youngest daughter Cordelia, to whom he had intended to give the largest share, refuses to take part, saying she loves him just as her duty requires
Furious, Lear banishes Cordelia and also Kent when he tries to intervene on her side. The kingdom is divided between his elder daughters, Goneril and Regan
Lacking a dowry, Cordelia is rejected by the Duke of Burgundy. However, the king of France is happy to marry such a 'precious maid' (line 258) and she leaves Britain with him
Meanwhile, G + R, disturbed by their father's 'unruly' temperament, start to plot against him
Scene 2
Edmunds soliloquy - he asks why he should be denied property and power because he is illegitimate. He declares nature to be his goddess, believing his natural qualities will let him gain advantage over his brother Edgar
Edmund pretends to hide a letter in his pocket, a letter which he has forged. When Gloucester asks what it is and Edmund replies it is 'nothing'. Gloucester cheerfully demands to see it
Pretending to hesitate, Edmund hands over the letter explaining that Edgar has sent it. The letter suggests that Edgar wishes his father dead so that he and Edmund can enjoy half of Gloucester's revenue each
Appalled, Gloucester wants Edgar arrested, but Edmund suggests he should hear Edgar condemn himself out of his own mouth before taking action. Gloucester agrees to let Edgar arrange this. Gloucester then reflects pessimistically on the conflict of the nation, referring to many predictions of discord - predictions that he recently observed in the sky
When he leaves, Edmund mocks his father's beliefs in astrology, and instead says people are responsible for their own actions
Edmund tells Edgar that he has offended their father and of course Edgar has no idea stating if someone evil has done him wrong. Edmund says that is what he fears too and tells Edgar to go hide in Edmund's rooms and, if he leaves his hiding, to bring a weapon with him
Scene 3
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She complains to her steward Oswald about Lear and his followers, telling him to put on 'weary negligence' towards them. She wants to provoke a clash with her father. She intends to write to Regan to encourage her to do the same
Scene 4
Kent returns in disguise as a serving man and asks Lear for employment. He earns Lear's favour by tripping up the insolent Oswald and driving him away
The Fool, Lear's jester, tries to make Lear realise how foolish he has been
Goneril accuses Lear of encouraging bad behaviour in his followers and demands that he reduce their number. lear curses her and announces that he will go live with Regan
Goneril's husband Albany is bewildered and uneasy about what has happened but does not assert himself
After Lear has gone, Goneril sends Oswald to Regan with her letter, describing the course she has taken and asking for her sister's support
Scene 5
Lear sends Kent to deliver a letter to Regan, announcing his arrival
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ACT 2
Scene 1
Cornwall and Regan are expected at Gloucester's house. Edmund determines to use their arrival to his own advantage. There is gossip concerning 'likely wars' between Cornwall and Albany
Edmund calls Edgar down from his hiding place and tells him he must escape at once. He asks Edgar whether he has spoken against Cornwall, implying that Cornwall and Regan are as enraged against him as Gloucester is. Edmund then draws Edgar into a mock fight
After Edgar flees, Edmund deliberately wounds himself and cries out for help. He claims that Edgar tried to involve him in a plan to murder their father. Gloucester says that Edgar will be executed.
Cornwall and Regan arrive. Gloucester praises Edmund as a 'loyal and natural boy' and says he will disinherit Edgar. Regan asks whether Edgar was egged on by Lear's riotous knights. She has received Goneril's letter. Like her, Regan has no intention of giving Lear's followers house room. (The real reason why she and Cornwall have come to visit Gloucester is to avoid receiving Lear and his men.)
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Scene 2
Kent and Oswald meet outside Gloucester's house. Kent accuses Oswald of being a conceited coward (amongst other things). When Kent challenges him to a fight, Oswald runs from him, yelling out for help
Edmund tries to part the two men, but Kent is keen to punish Oswald. Cornwall stops the fight. When asked why he dislikes Oswald so much, Kent says his face offends him. He then insults Cornwall and the others.
Kent is placed in then placed in the stocks as a punishment. He protests that he is on the king's business and should not be treated in this degrading fashion. Gloucester agrees, but Cornwall sweeps his objections aside. Gloucester stays behind to offer his condolences to Kent. Kent is stoical and says he'll 'sleep out' his time in the stocks
Alone on stage, Kent reveals that he has a letter from Cordelia. She intends to put all the wrongs that have been done to Lear since she was banished
Scene 3
Edgar has heard himself proclaimed a criminal and has concealed himself in a tree. His position is desperate; he cannot attempt to flee England as all the ports (seaports and town gates) are watched and his father's men roam the countryside trying to hunt him down
To preserve his life Edgar decides to disguise himself as a 'Bedlam Beggar'. He describes what he will do effect this disguise: knot his hair, cover himself in dirt, stick sharp objects in his arms, and only wear a blanket for protection
Scene 4
Lear arrives at Gloucester's house. He refuses to believe that Cornwall and Regan are responsible for Kent's 'shame' in the stocks
Regan and Cornwall send word that they are sick and weary and cannot speak with him. When Gloucester tries to excuse Cornwall's behaviour, Lear is enraged. He feels himself becoming hysterical and tries to control himself
Cornwall and Regan arrive. Regan tells her father that he should accept his age and failing powers of judgement and be led by others. When Lear complains about G, R snaps back that he will curse her too 'when the rash mood is on'. Cornwall admits he was responsible for Kent's punishment
When Goneril arrives, Lear curses her and considers staying with Regan, but Regan too suggests a reduction in his train of followers. Lear tries to remind his daughters that he gave them everything. They are not impressed. Gradually, they argue Lear out of all his knights
Lear threatens his daughters that he will be revenged on them. As the storm starts he angrily refuses to weep but cries out, 'O fool! I shall go mad' and rushes out
Gloucester is concerned about Lear's well-being; the countryside he has gone out into offers very little protection from the elements. But his 'guests' insist that Lear should be left to suffer the consequences of his actions. Regan instructs Gloucester to lock the doors, maintaining that the King's followers are dangerous. Lear is left outside in the storm
ACT 3
Scene 1
Out on the heath, Kent is searching for Lear. Kent meets a Gentleman, one of Lear's knights, and asks him where Lear has gone
We learn that the king is out in the open, raging against the elements. The Fool is his only companion; he is trying to distract his master with jokes. The Gentleman paints a vivid picture of Lear, tearing his hair, running about unprotected, calling for the destruction of the world
Kent speaks of the recent 'division' or rivalry between Albany and Cornwall. He goes on to explain that the king of France is preparing to invade England, having already sent some of his army across secretly, accompanied by Cordelia
Kent gives the Gentleman a ring and asks him to deliver it to Cordelia. They continue searching for Lear
Scene 2
Increasingly erratic, Lear rants in the storm. He ignores the fool when he pleads with him to return to Gloucester's house to ask for shelter
Kent arrives and spies a hovel nearby. He tries to persuade Lear to take shelter there. He intends to return to Gloucester's house and beg G + R to take their father in
We see a new side of Lear's character when he expresses concern for the fool and identifies with his suffering. Now he recognises how precious such things are as shelter. Lear asks Kent to lead them to the hovel
Left alone on the stage, the fool makes predictions about Albion's future and speaks whimsically of a utopia where evil will cease to exist
Scene 3
Gloucester frets about the 'unnatural dealing' of Cornwall, G + R, who have warned him against helping Lear
He tells Edmund that Albany and Cornwall are set to clash and that the king of France has begun his invasion to restore Lear
When Gloucester leaves to find the king, Edmund announces his intention to betray his father to Cornwall
Scene 4
Kent urges Lear to take shelter in the hovel, but the storm is less distressing to lear than his inner torment
The fool rushes out of the hovel, scared by a creature he has found there. The 'spirit' proves to be Edgar disguised as Poor Tom
Lear recognises his own misery in Tom, who describes his life hounded by the 'foul fiend'. Edgar has invented this account of a servant who, driven by lechery, has lost his income, deteriorated mentally and been reduced to begging
Lear has begun to feel empathy for the dispossessed and believes that he sees humanity in its essence when he looks at Tom. Lear decides that man is really 'a poor bare forked animal'. He tries to undress, to remove the superficial trappings that stand between him and 'unaccommodated man'. Kent and the Fool try to prevent him.
During the confusion, Gloucester appears. He is dismayed to see the king in such poor company and urges Lear to go with him to a safe place. Despite the pleas of Gloucester and Kent, Lear continues to be most concerned for Poor Tom
Gloucester tells Kent that Goneril and Regan seek Lear's death. He also speaks of his own suffering; thoughts of his son's betrayal have sent him wild with grief. When Gloucester tells Tom to go into the hovel, Lear adds 'come, lets in all'. Kent finally accepts Tom and the characters enter the hovel.
Scene 5
Cornwall has been given the letter that contains information about the French invasion. He intends to punish Gloucester for his treachery
He sends Edmund to find his father. He also tells him that he will be the new Earl of Gloucester, probably implying that his father will be executed
Edmund pretends to be torn between being loyal to Cornwall and faithful to his 'blood', but secretly hopes that he will find his father with Lear. This will make Cornwall even more angry
Scene 6
Lear conducts an imaginary trial of G + R; Poor Tom mutters about the devil; the Fool continues to taunt Lear with home truths
Edgar is in tears as he listens to Lear's agony. His 'act' momentarily breaks down at 'bless thy five wits!'. Kent implores Lear to be patient
Gloucester has gone for provisions, but he returns saying that Lear must be removed to safety because there is a plot to kill him. He has prepared a litter (coach) to transport him to Dover, where he will be met by friends (French forces)
Kent is sorry that Lear must be disturbed, as he thinks sleep might have helped him regain his sanity
Left alone, Edgar reflects that his own problems seem lessened now that he has seen how much Lear is suffering. He expresses some hope for the future
Scene 7
IMPORTANT SCENE
Cornwall sends Goneril to Albany with Gloucester's letter, containing the news of the French invasion. He expects Albany to join forces with him. Edmund accompanies Goneril as it would be inappropriate for him to be present when his father is horribly punished
Gloucester, who has returned to the house, is brought in and interrogated. Regan disrespectfully plucks him by the beard - a forestate of the violence to come. Gloucester says that he sent Lear to Dover because he couldn't beat to see him tortured by G + R
When Gloucester says he hopes to see 'the winged vengeance overtake such children', Cornwall gouges out one of Gloucester's eyes. Regan urges her husband to pluck out his other eye
Appalled, one of Cornwall's own servants tries to intervene. He fatally wounds Cornwall. Regan takes a sword from another servant and runs the challenger through. In spite of his wound, Cornwall finds the strength to put out Gloucester's other eye
Gloucester hopes that Edmund will avenge him. Regan taunts Gloucester, informing the old man that Edmund hates him. Gloucester recognises that he has been deceived and calls on the Gods to protect Edgar and forgive him for doubting his true son
Regan tells servants to 'thrust' Gloucester out and 'let him smell his way to Dover'. She then helps her dying husband from the stage
Two servants decide to help Gloucester and fetch some medicine to sooth his wounded eyes. They will take him to Poor Tom, who can act as his guide
ACT 4
Scene 1
Edgar reflects on being a poor, despised outcast. Although he comforts himself that he cannot sink any lower, his fragile optimism is shattered when his father is led on, blinded and in despair
Gloucester wishes to find Edgar, so that he can ask for forgiveness. He offers a dark view of life: 'As flies to wanton boys are we to th'Gods; they kill us for their sport'
Edgar, as Poor Tom, agrees to lead Gloucester to Dover. Edgar is still distressed and has difficulty in maintaining his disguise
Like Lear, Gloucester is now preoccupied by thoughts of justice. His final speech conveys his desire to die. He promises Edgar further payment if he leads him 'to the very brim' of a cliff at Dover. We understand that he intends to jump from the cliff and kill himself
Scene 2
When Goneril and Edmund return to Albany's castle, Oswald tells her that Albany has undergone a change in heart. Goneril says her husband is a coward and that she must now take command. She tells Edmund to return to Cornwall to help prepare for battle. Goneril says that she will shortly become Edmund's lover
Albany appears and Goneril greets him sarcastically. In return, Albany says she is a devil and that the sisters have behaved like 'tigers, not daughters'. His language becomes increasingly violent as he describes how he would like to tear Goneril limb from limb
A messenger arrives with the news that Cornwall is dead. Albany greets this as an act of justice. The messenger also has a letter from Regan for Goneril. Goneril is suspicious of her sister. She is concerned that the widowed Regan will seek to marry Edmund
On learning that Edmund collaborated in his father's torment, Albany resolves to revenge Gloucester and support Lear's cause
Scene 3
Kent asks a Gentleman why the king of France has returned home. We learn that he had urgent state business to attend to
Kent asks the Gentleman how Cordelia reacted when she read his letters describing Lear's treatment at the hands of Goneril and Regan. We are told that 'holy water' fell from her 'heavenly eyes' as she cried for Lear's plight
Kent reports Lear's arrival in Dover. The king is sometimes in a better frame of mind, but even when in this state he is so ashamed of his 'unkindness' to Cordelia that he doesn't wish to see her
The Gentleman says that Albany and Cornwall's forces are on the move. Kent takes him to attend on Lear
Scene 4
Cordelia describes how Lear has been seen, out of control, wearing a crown of flowers and weeds. A doctor tells her that Lear might be cured by sleep, which can be induced by sedatives. She sends soldiers out to find Lear
A messenger informs her that the British army is drawing closer. To allay any fears the audience might have of a foreign invasion, Cordelia insists that she has come to defend Lear's rights; she is motivated by love, not by political ambition
Scene 5
Regan asks Oswald why Goneril had written to Edmund. She tries to persuade him to show her the letter he is carrying. She remarks that it was a mistake to let Gloucester live: his cruel treatment has turned people against them
When Oswald insists that he must leave, Regan adopts a more aggressive tone. She and Edmund have talked, and agreed on marriage. Goneril must be warned off.
Regan gives Oswald a letter or gift for Edmund and asks him to deliver it. She casually mentions the fact that there is a reward for anyone that kills Gloucester
Scene 6
Edgar leads Gloucester to Dover. He pretends they are going up a steep hill to a cliff edge. Gloucester throws himself off the imaginary cliff. Pretending now to be a passerby on the beach, Edgar tells him his companion was a devil and he must have been preserved by a miracle. Gloucester accepts that he should no longer seek to die before his time
Lear enters, wearing his crown of weeds. He mistakes Gloucester for Goneril 'with a white beard' and launches into a tirade against female sexuality. Lear's fear of monstrous femininity also leads him to introduce the topic of Gloucester's adultery. There is a cruel irony in Lear's lines about Gloucester's 'kind' bastard son
Lear has become obsessed with social ad moral justice. Authority is a sham, he concludes: even a dog would be obeyed if it held the right social position. He disparages rich sinners who are able to defy justice, while beggars cannot escape punishment for their crimes because they have no money for bribes
Lear advises Gloucester to get glasses so that he can act like a cunning politician, pretending to see things which will justify his actions. He finally recognises his friend, telling him to be patient and advising him that it is man's lot to suffer and endure
When Cordelia's attendants arrive, Lear runs off. Edgar asks for news of the battle expected between the French and British forces. He begins to lead Gloucester to a safe place
Oswald comes upon them, delighted that he will be able to kill Gloucester and claim Regan's reward. Gloucester welcomes the prospect of death. Assuming the accent of a country bumpkin, Edgar challenges Oswald, whom he fatally wounds in the fight
In his dying speech, Oswald asks Edgar to take the letters he is carrying to Edmund. Edgar instead reads the letters and discovers Goneril's plot against Albany's life. Shocked, he decides to inform Albany of the contents of the letter when the time is right. He drags Oswald's body offstage for burial, then returns to escort his father to safety. A drum roll suggests battle is imminent
Scene 7
Lear has been brought to the French camp near Dover. The old king is carried on in a chair and the Doctor calls for music to awaken him
When Lear wakes, he is bewildered and thinks he is in hell, 'bound upon a wheel of fire'. At first he doesn't seem to recognise Cordelia, who asks for his blessing. Lear then falls on his knees before Cordelia, showing that he regrets wronging her. He sees himself clearly as 'a very foolish fond old man'
Cordelia denies that she has any reason to feel bitter towards her father. Father and daughter leave the stage together
Kent and the Gentleman remain behind to discuss the battle. Edmund has been put in charge of Cornwall's men. A bloody confrontation is expected
ACT 5
Scene 1
Preparations for the battle are underway. Regan fears that Edmund may love Goneril. When Albany and Goneril arrive with their forces, Goneril tells us she would rather lose the battle than loose Edmund
Albany sympathises with Cordelia's cause, but agrees to fight the invaders. As he is about to follow the others off, Edgar appears (still disguised). He gives Albany the letter he found on Oswald and tells him to open it before going into battle. He asks Albany to have a trumpet sounded if the British win the battle - this will summon a noble warrior who will confront Edmund and Goneril over their treachery
Edmund knows the sisters are such rivals for his love that one will have to die in order for him to 'enjoy' the other. He decides to wait and see what happens in the battle. Although Albany intends to show mercy to Lear and Cordelia if the British win, Edmund plans to kill them
Scene 2
Edgar takes Gloucester to a safe place while the battle rages. He returns with the news that the French have lost. Lear and Cordelia have been captured
Overcome by negative thoughts, Gloucester refuses to move further. Edgar chides him, saying that, although he should prepare himself for death, it is not for him to choose the moment. Gloucester allows himself to be led away
Scene 3
Lear comforts Cordelia. Edmund sends them to prison with a secret death warrant. He resists Albany's demands to hand the prisoners over
Regan announces her intention of marrying Edmund, but Albany arrests Edmund for treason, then has the trumpet sounded to summon Edmund's accuser. Meanwhile, we learn that Goneril has poisoned Regan. Edgar appears, disguised and armed. Edmund agrees to fight him and is fatally wounded
Albany confronts Goneril with her letter to Edmund. After a last desperate attempt to assert her power, she runs off. Edmund confesses his crimes. He says he will forgive his adversary is he is a nobleman. Edgar at last puts his disguise aside
Edgar describes how Gloucester was overcome and died when he finally revealed his true identity to him. We learn that Goneril has killed herself and Regan has died from the poison. Kent arrives to see Lear. Albany urgently asks Edmund where he sent Lear and Cordelia. They try to establish how to cancel the death warrant
Edmund is carried off to die. Lear comes in carrying Cordelia, hoping desperately that his daughter still breathes. We learn that Lear killed Cordelia's hangman
As Lear's senses fail, a messenger brings news that Edmund has died. Kent tells Edgar to leave Lear be. He will welcome death after the sufferings of his life. He adds that he too expects to die soon. Lear dies, perhaps believing that Cordelia still lives
Edgar becomes the new ruler. He says the survivors 'Shall never see so much nor live so long', suggesting that the lives of those who remain have been shattered