Exploring the chronological order and historical context of Shakespeare's plays, including King Lear, Timon of Athens, Macbeth, Antony and Cleopatra, and Pericles. Textual evidence and scholarly analysis provide insights into the composition dates, influences, and publication history of these classic works, revealing their connections to historical events and literary sources.
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The play was written between 1603 and 1606, with possible influences from works in early 1605 and references to astronomical events in 1605
Influence of "The True Chronicle History of King Leir"
The publication of this play in 1605 suggests that Shakespeare's version of "King Lear" was already known and possibly performed by that time
Parallels to the case of Brian Annesley
The similarities between the narrative of "Lear" and the events surrounding Annesley in 1603 provide further context for the play's creation
Comparing "King Lear" to Shakespeare's other works places it chronologically between "Othello" and "Macbeth," and in close proximity to "Timon of Athens."
The play's irregular structure and allusions to historical events suggest a composition date between late 1605 and 1608, with possible involvement from co-author Thomas Middleton
Metrical and stylistic analyses link "Timon" to Shakespeare's works from around 1605–1606, with discernible influence from Middleton
The inclusion of the character Hecate and stylistic similarities with Middleton's "The Witch" suggest possible later revisions to the play
The play's allusions to historical events and a diary entry from 1611 provide a likely composition date of 1606
The play's references to Banquo and the Gunpowder Plot reflect its association with James's reign
The inclusion of Hecate and stylistic similarities with Middleton's "The Witch" suggest possible later revisions to the play
The play was likely written before May 1608, based on its registration and allusions to other works from 1606–1607
The play's stylistic features are consistent with a composition date of 1606
The play's registration in 1608 and performance in 1610 support a composition date of 1606–1607
00
The initial staging of 'King Lear' is documented to have occurred on ______, ______.
December 26
1606
01
The work '______' by Samuel Harsnett, released in ______, helps establish the earliest writing date for 'King Lear'.
Declaration of Egregious Popish Impostures
1603
02
Scholar ______ suggests that 'King Lear' may have been influenced by texts from early ______, hinting at a later commencement of its composition.
Gary Taylor
1605
