King Lear: Contexts, Themes and Questions

Advanced Learner Pack for AS / A Level

King Lear
Set text for:
  • AQA B AS and A Level
  • Edexcel A Level
  • Eduqas A Level
  • WJEC A Level

While based on a semi-historical king, King Lear stands apart from Shakespeare’s history plays as a unique tragedy laced with betrayal, ambition, misrule and family and political conflict. An engagement with its fascinating context also highlights its relevance to modern times.

Inspire your students to explore both themes and contexts to answer the following questions: why do study King Lear in this day and age, and what can the play reveal to us about our own age and its social, political and personal anxieties, fears and needs?

Look out for!
  • Further reading suggestions
  • Detailed analysis of key extracts
  • Sample answers and commentary for AQA B and Edexcel

Comprehensive notes, questions and exam-preparation material investigating the influential contexts and themes of King Lear for a fuller, more sophisticated understanding. Pitched to the 2015 AS and A Level specifications, this pack will inspire your strongest students to go the extra mile in their journey towards exam success.

Pushing high achievers…
  • Informative notes encourage students to think independently about the core aspects of the text, including characters, form, genre and themes
  • Packed with questions to promote intelligent discussion – the perfect springboard for higher-level analysis
  • Suggestions for wider reading empower students to foster an individual critical stance towards the text
To reach those top marks!
  • Exam-style questions provide extensive practice for creative, unique responses
  • Higher-level sample answers with examiner commentary help students recognise what makes a good answer
  • Revision and exam tips help students focus answers to gain top marks
Plus!
  • A carefully constructed historical timeline
  • Indicative content for all questions