Study guide
King Lear - Revision Guide - WJEC A Level English Literature
- Module
- A2 Unit 4 - Shakespeare
- Institution
- WJEC
A clear, comprehensive study or revision guide for the A Level Literature text, King Lear.
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King Lear - Revision GuideSummary
There are two plots within the play: one concerning the king and his three daughters, and the sub-plot
of Gloucester and his two sons.
The two plots are intricately interwoven with one other as the characters from the sub-plot become
involved with the main action.
Act 1 Scene 1
Gloucester and Kent speak of the division of the kingdom in a colloquial prose.
Kent meets Edmund, the bastard son of the Earl of Gloucester.
King Lear announces his intention of dividing the kingdom in three parts, giving one part to each of his
three daughters. The largest share of the kingdom will be given to the daughter that can say that they
love him the most.
Goneril is the first to speak, and she is duly rewarded.
Regan speaks next, and is rewarded her share of the kingdom.
Lear turns to his favourite daughter, Cordelia, who is the youngest of the three, and is very
disappointed. She refuses to flatter him.
Lear disowns Cordelia, and distributes her share of the land between the two sisters.
Kent remonstrates with the king, and is banished from the kingdom.
Cordelia’s suitors are called in, and the king offers his daughter in marriage to the Duke of Burgundy.
Cordelia has no dowry, and Burgundy rejects the offer.
The King of France asks to know the reason for the king’s displeasure. He takes Cordelia as his wife,
and they leave for France.
Act 1 Scene 2
Edmund says how bitterly he resents his brother, Edgar.
He hints at a scheme that will injure him.
He lets his father read a letter that appears to be from Edgar, who is plotting against his father’s life.
Gloucester, distressed, trusts Edmund to find out the truth.
Edmund advises Edgar to avoid Gloucester’s presence.
Act 1 Scene 3
Lear is now staying with Goneril, but she is dissatisfied with the arrangement.
She gives new instruction to her servants.
This brief scene prepares the reader for the major changes of the following scene, and to understand
Goneril’s harshness.
Act 1 Scene 4
Kent has disguised himself, and applies to the king for a job.
Oswald, Goneril’s servant, is disrespectful in speaking to the king. Kent strikes him.
The Fool comments on the king’s folly in giving away his crown.
Goneril complains to her father about the behaviour of her knights, and insists that their number
must be reduced.
Lear pronounces a terrible curse on his eldest daughter.
He leaves Goneril’s house, and sets off to make his home with Regan.
Goneril’s husband, Albany, reproaches her. She is unrepentant.
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