King Lear

**Quiz Question: *King Lear* by William Shakespeare** At the beginning of *King Lear*, why does Lear choose to split his kingdom among his three daughters? A) He is pressured to step down by his nobles. B) He wants to retire from ruling and decide how to distribute his land based on which daughter expresses the most love for him. C) He aims to compensate his daughters equally for their years of loyalty. D) He is acting on the advice of his loyal advisor, the Earl of Kent. **Correct Answer: B** *Explanation: 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.*

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**Quiz Question — *King Lear* by William Shakespeare** 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? A) Each daughter's political alliances and military strength B) Each daughter's public declaration of love and flattery toward him C) Each daughter's demonstrated loyalty through years of service D) An equal three-way split determined by a council of nobles **Correct Answer: B** *Explanation:* 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.

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**Quiz Question: *King Lear* by William Shakespeare** 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? A) Goneril B) Regan C) Cordelia D) Ophelia **Correct Answer: C) Cordelia** *Explanation: 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.*

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