Shakespeare's 1606 tragedy follows an aging king who divides his realm among his daughters based on public declarations of love, triggering a devastating chain of betrayal, madness, and death. This dark drama explores themes of power, family loyalty, and the consequences of pride through parallel plots of fathers deceived by their children.
I thought the King had more affected the Duke of Albany than Cornwall. It did always seem so to us; but now, in the division of the kingdom, it appears not which of the Dukes he values most, for qualities are so weighed that curiosity in neither can make choice of either’s moiety. His breeding, sir, hath been at my charge: I have so often blush’d to acknowledge him that now I am braz’d to’t.Continue reading →
An English playwright and poet from Stratford-upon-Avon (1564-1616) who transformed theater with timeless works like Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth. His profound exploration of human nature, masterful use of language, and innovative storytelling techniques revolutionized drama and continue to captivate audiences worldwide four centuries later. All works by William Shakespeare →
Browse all Drama · 17th-18th C works