King Lear's Wife; The Crier by Night; The Riding to Lithend; Midsummer-Eve; Laodice and Danaë

"King Lear's Wife; The Crier by Night; The Riding to Lithend; Midsummer-Eve; Laodice and Danaë" by Gordon Bottomley is a collection of plays written in the early 20th century. The works explore themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, with notable figures such as King Lear and Goneril from "King Lear's Wife." This anthology invites readers into a world rich with poetic language and introspective dialogue, questioning the essence of human emotion and societal roles. The opening of "King Lear's Wife" introduces a somber atmosphere in a chamber where Queen Hygd lies asleep, attended by her waiting-woman Merryn. The scene is heavy with tension as King Lear enters looking for Gormflaith, another woman tied to the Queen and Lear. As Lear expresses concern for Hygd's well-being and the physician's uncertain treatment of her illness, the atmosphere is charged with underlying feelings of neglect and betrayal. The dialogue hints at the Queen's emotional turmoil, marked by a blend of fear and longing, as Goneril, Lear’s daughter, enters, further complicating the family dynamics. This sets the stage for an exploration of themes such as loyalty, anguish, and the impending transformation of power within the royal family.