Class 12 Optional English Note || Summary of King Leir And His Three Daughters By George Wharton Edwards || Poetry

King Leir and His Three Daughters by George Wharton Edwards

The poem "King Leir and His Three Daughters" by George Wharton Edwards is a ballad, based on an old legend that was popular in medieval England. It is believed to be the origin of the story of King Lear, a well-known tragedy written by William Shakespeare. The poem tells the story of King Leir and his three daughters named Ragan, Gonorell, and Cordelia, highlighting the themes of flattery, mental anguish, loyalty, treachery, familial obligations, affection within the family, and misjudgment.

King Leir was happy and powerful, with three beautiful daughters. He asked them to prove their love, and while the two older daughters made big promises, Cordelia, the youngest, just spoke of her duty as a child. King Leir sent Cordelia away and gave his kingdom to the other two daughters. Cordelia wandered in poverty until she found refuge in France, where she won the king's heart and became his queen. Meanwhile, King Leir's older daughters, Ragan and Gonorell, mistreated him, taking away his riches and reducing his helpers. He sought help from them, but they only offered a little help, causing him to suffer greatly. Eventually, he became mad and wandered, grieving for the love he had lost.

Cordelia, upon hearing of her father's troubles, sent him comfort and help from France. With the support of noble friends, she brought King Leir back to England to reclaim his throne. In a battle, Cordelia fought to restore her father's rule but tragically died in the process. Overwhelmed by sorrow, King Leir also passed away on her chest. In the end, the lords and nobles executed the two elder sisters for their pride and disobedience, and gave the crowns to the rightful heirs. This serves as a lesson about the dangers of pride and disobedience.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Who is the poet of the ballad "King Lear And His Three Daughters"?

a) George Wharton Edwards

b) William Shakespeare

c) Emily Dickinson

d) Robert Frost

2. What is the main inspiration for the poem "King Lear And His Three Daughters"?

a) William Shakespeare's tragedy "King Lear"

b) Ancient British legends

c) Greek mythology

d) Medieval romance

3. How many daughters does King Lear have?

a) One

b) Two

c) Three

d) Four

4. Which daughter does King Lear banish and disinherit?

a) Regan

b) Goneril

c) Cordelia

d) None of the above

5. What is Cordelia's response to King Lear's love test?

a) She gives a flattering answer with fake words.

b) She remains silent.

c) She says she loves her father sincerely but doesn't use flattering words

d) She refuses to participate in the love test.

6. What happens to Cordelia after being banished by King Lear?

a) She becomes queen of another kingdom.

b) She joins a convent.

c) She marries a French prince.

d) She becomes a hermit in the woods.

7. How do Regan and Goneril treat their father after receiving their share of the kingdom?

a) They show him utmost respect and care.

b) They mistreat and castigate him.

c) They completely ignore him.

d) They send him away to a far-off land.

8. Who helps King Lear regain his lost kingdom from his evil daughters?

a) Cordelia

b) Regan

c) Goneril

d) French prince

9. What happens to Cordelia in the battle for King Lear's kingdom?

a) She wins and becomes the queen.

b) She is banished again by King Lear.

c) She dies on the battlefield.

d) She betrays King Lear and joins her sisters.

10. How does King Lear meet his end?

a) He dies of old age peacefully.

b) He commits suicide.

c) He dies on Cordelia's chest.

d) He abdicates the throne and retires peacefully.