GCSE: English Literature: Drama: By Author: William Shakespeare: King Lear Coursework

About King Lear

"King Lear" is a study of politics and parent-child relationships. It starts with King Lear trying to decide which of his three daughters deserves to succeed him as ruler of Britain. It may sound like the plot of a fairy tale, but there is no happy ending. One summary of the play says, "Darkness and unhappiness pervade King Lear, and the devastating Act V represents one of the most tragic endings in all of literature." Only a few of the characters survive until the end - everyone else is mad, blind or dead.

King Lear: What Will I Study?

Studying "King Lear" for GCSE English Literature means you developing a good understanding of the plot and characters in the play. In the exam you'll be asked to answer question on extracts from the text, but you'll need that good background knowledge to gain extra marks. You'll be asked to explain the characters' motives and describe how an audience would respond to the action.

GCSE English Literature courses often ask students to comment on film versions of Shakespeare plays. There have been many versions of "King Lear" filmed and the plot was adapted by Japanese director Akira Kurosawa for his samurai epic "Ran".

King Lear... What Can I Study Next?

Taking A level English Literature should give you the chance to study another of Shakespeare's plays. Shakespeare and other Elizabethan playwrights can form part of a degree in literature if you decide to go on to university.

More About King Lear

http://www.englishbiz.co.uk/mainguides/play.htm

http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/lear/summary.html