Final answer:
In Shakespeare's 'King Lear', the titular character fails to understand that by ceding his land he is also giving up all of his power, which includes both political authority and his stature as a monarch. The correct answer to the question is D. All of his power.
Step-by-step explanation:
In William Shakespeare's play King Lear, the protagonist, King Lear, unknowingly gives up more than just his land when he decides to divide his kingdom among his daughters, Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia. Lear does not realize that in giving up his land, he is relinquishing much more, including his power and authority.
When he asks his daughters to profess their love to him in exchange for a portion of his kingdom, he believes that he can retain his title and the respect due to him as king, while enjoying a carefree retirement. However, the transfer of land is intrinsically connected to the transfer of political power and authority. As the play progresses, Lear discovers to his dismay that without his land and the power it brings, he is subject to the whims of those he has empowered, particularly his ungrateful daughters, Goneril and Regan.
Considering the options provided and the context of the play, the most accurate answer to the question, 'What does Lear not realize he is giving up when he gives up his land?' is D. All of his power. This encompasses not only his political power and authority but also the respect and dignity that comes with being a ruling monarch. Once he has relinquished his kingdom, he is left with nothing.