King Lear The context of King Lear The Theatre Contents Guide Recent King Lear Contents Introduction Timeline Images Author(s) Shakespeare, William 1564 - 1582: William Shakespeare's Stratford Beginnings 1582 - 1592: William Shakespeare's Marriage, Parenthood and Early Occupation 1592 - 1594: William Shakespeare's Life In London, part 1 1594 - 1611: William Shakespeare's Life In London, part 2 1594 - 1611: William Shakespeare's Life In London, part 3 1611 - 1616: William Shakespeare - Back to Stratford The context of King LearSocial / political backgroundThe Stuart MonarchyMore on James' mother, Mary Queen of ScotsSocial insecurityReligious / philosophical backgroundDivine right of kingsMore on rebellion against the kingThe RenaissanceThe ReformationThe TheatreMystery and morality playsPermanent theatresDesign of theatresThe role of womenSynopsis and commentaryAct IAct 1 scene 1Act 1 scene 2Act 1 scene 3Act 1 scene 4Act 1 scene 5Act IIAct 2 scene 1Act 2 scene 2Act 2 scene 3Act 2 scene 4Act IIIAct 3 scene 1Act 3 scene 2Act 3 scene 3Act 3 scene 4Act 3 scene 5Act 3 scene 6Act 3 scene 7Act IVAct 4 scene 1Act 4 scene 2Act 4 Scene 3Act 4 scene 4Act 4 Scene 5Act 4 Scene 6Act 4 Scene 7Act VAct 5 scene 1Act 5 scene 2Act 5 scene 3The language of King LearLinguistic varietyCharacterisation in King Lear A moral ensemble storyLearLear's elder daughtersCordeliaKentGloucesterEdgar LintonEdmundAlbanyCornwallThe FoolOswaldGentleman and servantsThemes in King LearThe worldview of King LearJusticeOrder, disintegration and chaosParent / child relationshipsThe reality of loveNatureSeeing and blindnessClothing and disguiseIdentityMadnessKing Lear and the book of JobImagery and motifs in King LearImageryMotifsThe structure of King LearKing Lear's five act structureThe two plots of King LearThe ending of King LearCritical approaches to King LearWays of thinking about King LearNineteenth and earlier twentieth century critical views on King LearCritical views on King Lear since 1970Approaching essays and exams on King LearEngaging with the textWhat makes a good English exam answer?How to plan an essaySample essay questions on King LearResources and further reading on King LearShakespeare's sources for King LearMore on Geoffrey of MonmouthMore on Holished's chroniclesMore on The True Chronicle History of King LeirMore on The Mirror for Magistrates?More on the Faerie QueeneMore on ArcadiaFurther reading on King LearWorksheet downloadsTimeline of Shakespeare's works The Theatre Tweet Recently Viewed King Lear » The Theatre now A-Z: Literary titles from the Bible » Ascension-day just now A-Z: General definitions » Sackcloth just now Scan and go Scan on your mobile for direct link.