Curated set · answers marked
At the beginning of King Lear, why does Lear choose to split his kingdom among his three daughters?
Rationale
Lear sets up a "love test," planning to divide his kingdom into three parts and give the biggest share to whichever daughter — Goneril, Regan, or Cordelia — professes her love for him in the most eloquent way. Cordelia's refusal to flatter him triggers the unfolding tragedy.
At the start of the play, King Lear makes the choice to divide his kingdom among his three daughters. What criteria does he use to determine how to allocate the shares?
Rationale
Lear conducts a "love test," asking each daughter to declare how much she loves him. Goneril and Regan lavish him with extravagant praise and receive large portions of the kingdom as a result. Cordelia, however, refuses to engage in empty flattery, stating she loves him "according to my bond, no more, no less," which leads to her disinheritance.
At the start of King Lear, Lear decides to split his kingdom among his three daughters. Which daughter does he ultimately disinherit and send away after she refuses to flatter him?
Rationale
Cordelia chooses not to partake in the flattery contest that her father demands, saying she loves him according to her bond — nothing more, nothing less. Frustrated by her honest yet simple answer, Lear disinherits her and gives her share to her sisters, Goneril and Regan.