Act I. Scene I. - A Room of State in King Lear's Palace.

King Lear: "'tis our fast intent / To shake all cares and business from our age, / Conferring them on younger strengths, while we / Unburden'd crawl toward death."

King Lear gives his kingdom to daughters Regan and Goneril whom he believes truly love him. Angry that Cordelia his youngest daughter apparently does not, he banishes her, and Kent who tries in vain to make King Lear reconsider. Cordelia leaves and is taken by the King of France as his Queen...

The play begins with Kent setting the scene. We learn that King Lear is to divide and give up to his daughters his kingdom and that in doing so, he will not favor the Duke of Albany any more than the Duke of Cornwall as was expected. We learn that Gloucester, an ally of the King is embarrassed of his bastard son Edmund (Lines 12-26). Lear, The Duke of Cornwall, The Duke of Albany and Lear's three daughters, Goneril, Regan and Cordelia with Attendants arrive. Gloucester and Edmund depart to "Attend [meet, greet] the Lords of France and Burgundy," leaving Lear

Act I. Scene II. - A Hall in the Earl of Gloucester's Castle.

Kent entrusts the Gentlemen to head for Dover where he is to report on Lear's suffering to allies and subjects of France already in England. Should he see Cordelia, a ring given by Kent will let Cordelia tell the Gentlemen who Kent is.

Act V. Scene I. - The British Camp near Dover.

Lear learns of Gloucester's blindness and Lear in a line suggesting he has reached true wisdom, explains that "A man may see how this world goes with no eyes. Look with thine ears: see how yond justice rails upon yon simple thief" (a man can see how the world really works with no eyes. Look with your ears, see how justice rails upon a simple thief), (Lines 153-160).

Edmund speaks with Curan, a Courtier. He learns from Curan that in time there may be possible conflict between the Dukes of Albany and Cornwall. Edgar enters and Edmund advises Edgar to leave, saying "My father watches: O sir! fly this place; [our father watches this place, get out of here, fly!]" (Line 22).

Cordelia finds her father Lear who deeply regrets how he treated her...

Crucially, Lear wishes to be told how much his daughters love him before he divests (gives away) his rule, kingdom and cares of state:

Lear cries out to the elements, "Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! rage! blow!" (Line 1). The Fool suggests by riddle that Lear seek shelter. Kent enters and Lear continues to torture himself to the elements, famously saying "I am a man / More sinn'd [sinned / wronged] against than sinning" (Line 58). Kent announces that he has found a nearby hovel that will serve as shelter. They enter and the Fool ends the scene in riddle.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 8292
Approximate Pages = 33 (250 words per page double spaced)