This book advances five original readings of Shakespeares King Lear, influenced by Giorgio Agamben, but tempered by primary research into Jacobean literature, law, religion, and philosophy. To grasp Lear encounter between politics and identity, the play demands a wider understanding of the religious influence on political thought. As Lear himself realises, sovereignty is an extreme, glamorous example of a deeper category: sacred office. Lear also shows duty intersecting with a hierarchy of bastards, outlaws, women, waifs, and monks. This book introduces concepts like petit treason, civil death, and waivery into political theological studies, complicating Agamben models. Goneril treason shows the sovereign consort and children are consecrated lives too. Lear crisis of self-knowing stages a landmark critique of office. The promise of his poignant speech before the prison is foreclosed by Shakespeares invention: an officer dutifully murdering Cordelia. This book conclusion, through Hannah Arendt, reconsiders Lear persistent association with the Holocaust.