King Lear

[leer]

noun

1. a tragedy (1606) by Shakespeare.

King Lear

1. A tragedy by William Shakespeare about an old king who unwisely hands his kingdom over to two of his daughters. The daughters, who had flattered Lear while he was in power, turn on him; their actions reduce him to poverty and eventually to madness. His youngest daughter, Cordelia, whom he had at first spurned, remains faithful to him.

Example Sentences

The Scottish actor trained at Dundee Rep Theatre before moving on to perform with the Royal Lyceum Theatre, the Royal National Theatre and the RSC, where he gained acclaim for playing King Lear.

From BBC

“Gypsy” has been called the “King Lear” of musicals for the capstone tyrannical parent role it provides an actor of a certain age.

From Los Angeles Times

The epic scale of “King Lear” can engender reluctance in theatergoers.

From Los Angeles Times

Since then, the actor has been in productions like "Othello," "King Lear," and "The Last Five Years" and even won a Laurence Olivier Award for his performance in the West End revival of "Company."

From Salon

Not since Jane Smiley’s “A Thousand Acres” has Shakespeare’s King Lear had such a strong treatment.

From Los Angeles Times