King Lear

Shakespeare's King Lear tests us with the depth, breadth, and endurance of the suffering it depicts. Its characters become violent, harden their hearts, or work to lessen the pain of others. Lear loses his mind as he becomes enraged. So what is it about King Lear that keeps coming up? King Lear is almost as strong in translation as it is in its original tongue, indicating that the play is primarily drawn to the tale.

The drama depicts families who struggle with providing assistance and comfort while also dealing with brutality and selfishness. Extreme emotions are exaggerated to enormous degrees. This most destructive of Shakespeare's tragedies is also possibly his most affecting since we witness old age represented in all its weakness, pride, and, maybe, wisdom.

The Folger Shakespeare Library, a reputable and popular Shakespearean collection for readers in general and students in particular, has an authorized version of King Lear that includes:

-Recently revised text based on the play's finest early printed edition

-Complete explanatory notes arranged easily on pages confronting the play's text

-Scene-by-scene narrative overviews

-A glossary of the play's well-known quotes

-A primer on reading Shakespeare in English

-An article by a renowned Shakespeare expert offering a contemporary interpretation of the play

-New photos from the enormous collection of rare books held at the Folger Shakespeare Library

-A list of recommended books with annotations

A Susan Snyder essay

Shakespeare experts from all over the world are drawn to the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, which is home to the greatest collection of printed works by Shakespeare in existence. Apart from its annual public exhibits, the Folger hosts an extensive schedule of events and activities. Visit Folger.edu for further information.