Summary of King Lear by William Shakespeare

King Lear is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1603 and 1606. The story tells of the eponymous ruler who divides his kingdom between two of his three daughters, based on how much they profess to love him. When he is betrayed by one and realizes his mistake, the consequences of his prideful folly are revealed in a powerful series of tragic events. In his descent into madness and eventual death, the play touches on the dark themes of generational injustice, the fallibility of justice systems, and the follies of aging. King Lear is ultimately a story of the consequences of a ruler's failing to listen to his conscience and of his refusal to protect those most vulnerable to those in power.