King Lear

King Lear, written by William Shakespeare and first performed in 1606, is a tragedy that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and madness. The play follows King Lear as he abdicates his throne to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on their declarations of love for him. When his youngest daughter, Cordelia, refuses to flatter him, she is disinherited, leading to a tragic unraveling of family and power. It is often regarded as one of Shakespeare's greatest works and has had a profound influence on literature and drama.