What is the falling action in King Lear?

Answer 1

Shakespeare's King Lear is about an elderly King who wants to retire from being king. He still wants the authority/power of being king, but without the associated responsibility of this position. He divides his kingdom into three and offers it to his three daughters. Unfortunately he divides the kingdom unfairly, disinheriting his loving daughter, Cordelia, allocating her share to the other two. Others get involved in the matter, and the King of France marries Cordelia for her character, not for her wealth. (which she doesn't have!)

The story traces the subsequent problems that King Lear experiences as a result of him being overly influenced by external appearances. There are many characters in the play and there are lots of scenes and situations in the story. Different characters display different personality traits which reveal their true nature and underlying motivational thoughts and feelings, which are the basis for all they say and do. The story also highlights the strong influence that one marriage partner can have on the other, either for good or bad.

In the end King Lear's kingdom is in disarray. His life is at threat. Fortunately, circumstances lead him to becoming reconciled to Cordelia, and he recognising her for her true self and for her honorable and enduring qualities. Unfortunately, very shortly after this positive turn of events, and under the pressures of the prevailing 'political' conflicts, Cordelia gets arrested, and executed. And King Lear dies of grief at the news of his ever-loyal and loving daughter's sudden and tragic demise.

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Answer 2

Through the first couple of acts, the play is dominated by the conflict between Lear and his daughters, first Cordelia, then Goneril, then Regan. The conflict between Edmund and Edgar is also significant.

After Lear goes mad, the play becomes more dominated by conflicts between Lear's daughters: Cordelia's leading an invasion of England from France, and Regan and Goneril fighting over who should get Edmund. The conflict between Edmund and Edgar reaches its climax in Act 5.

But really the most significant conflict is that within Lear, between his image of himself as a king and a person of authority, and his desire to put aside the cares that go with that authority.

Answer 3

The fight between the Montague servants (Abraham and Balthasar) and Capulet servants (Gregory and Sampson) that sparks a brawl through the town in Act I Scene I

Answer 4

Well, presumably when Lear divides his kingdom in Act 1 Scene 1.