King Lear Lesson Plan

What do you think of King Lear's plan to retire from the business of government and divide his kingdom among his three daughters? Are these good ideas? What problems could arise from these actions?

In Shakespeare's time, the islands of Great Britain were newly united under one king. The idea of separating this kingdom was abhorrent to audiences in 17th-century England. Modern readers (particularly those who aren't British) may not have strongly held opinions on this particular matter, but they likely will find it unwise, or at least a little bit silly, to divide an entire country into thirds just to avoid fighting among siblings.

Also, even in Act I, we can see that...