King Lear is one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies and was believed to have been written between 1605-1606, and was based on a legend of the Leir of Britain, a pre-Roman Celtic king from mythology. It brilliantly depicts the senility and increasing madness of its title character as he splits his kingdom into portions for his daughters based on their false declarations of love for him. King Lear, wanting to retire from the duties?the monarchy demands of him, makes the decision to divide his kingdom amongst his three daughters. Courting flattery and praise, he announces he shall give the largest share to the daughter who loves him the most. His eldest daughter, Goneril, first proclaims her love in the most fulsome description, delighting Lear and causing him to award Goneril her share as soon as she is finished speaking. Not wishing to be outdone, his second daughter Regan uses similarly flowery and language to convince her father of her adoration. She as well is awarded her share of his realm. His youngest daughter Cordelia was always Lear's favorite and most-loved daughter