Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions based on the passage:
William Shakespeare's famous tragedy, King Lear, explores what happens when pride, misplaced trust, and family problems go unchecked. The story follows Lear, an old King of Britain, who gives up his throne and divides his kingdom among his three daughters, based on how much they flatter him. The two older sisters flatter Lear to get the biggest share, but the youngest, Cordelia, refuses to exaggerate her love and chooses to be honest. Lear, upset by her response, sends Cordelia away and dismisses the wise advisers who tried to help him. But then, the conniving sisters get hold of all that power and kick their father out, treating him disgustingly in his old age. Stripped of everything, Lear ends up outside during a fierce storm. Madness sets in as reality hits him hard—he's lost everything due to his silly fantasies. At its core, this tale warns us about how the ego can shatter a family and cause total destruction.
Based on the passage, what triggers King Lear's descent into madness?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Correct Answer: Realising he has lost everything because of his own foolish illusions.
Explanation
• According to the passage, King Lear is stripped of everything and left stranded in a fierce storm, where "Madness sets in as reality hits him hard—he's lost everything due to his silly fantasies."
• This clearly indicates that his madness is triggered by the painful realization of how his own foolish judgment and false pride led to his total downfall.