William Shakespeare's 'King Lear' is a profound and devastating tragedy that explores themes of power, betrayal, madness, and the complexities of family relationships. The play centers on the aging King Lear, who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on their declarations of love. His rejection of Cordelia, his youngest and most sincere daughter, in favor of his two manipulative elder daughters, Goneril and Regan, sets in motion a catastrophic chain of events. As Lear descends into madness, stripped of his power and dignity, he confronts the harsh realities of human nature and the true meaning of loyalty and suffering. This timeless masterpiece remains a powerful commentary on hubris, injustice, and the fragility of the human condition, making it a cornerstone of world literature.