Tregedic Form of King Lear

Form - Shakespearian Tragedy

Exposition - Lear rules the kingdom, but is dividing it between his three daughters.

• "Meantime we shall express our darker purpose"
• "Tis our fast intent to shake all cares and business from our age"
• "Which of you shall we say doth love us most"

Exciting Force - Cordelia refusues to flatter Lear for her part of the realm, resulting in Lear giving all to Gonerill, Regan, Cornwall and Albany.

• "Nothing will come of nothing"
• "Unhappy as I am, I cannot heave my heart into my mouth"
• "Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides"

Rising Action - Gonerill and Regan refuse to house Lear and all his knights, put Kent in the stocks, ongoing conflict.

• "What's he that hath so much thy place mistook to set thee here?"
• "Deny to speak with me? They are…