foolear Essay on the Fool in Shakespeares King Lear

Importance of the Fool in King Lear Beginning in the late 17th century, producers of King Lear removed the Fool from productions of King Lear. He did not return until 1838. Producers greatly diminished both King Lear and Lear as a result. One should notice the importance of the Fool very early in the play. In Scene 4, Lear asks for his Fool twice. The second time is just a few lines after the first. He seems to need his Fool urgently. Yet the Fool has been pining over the loss of Cordelia (1.4. ). Yet Lear orders the Fool to come to him. Upon the Fools arrival, one can see the Fool is a king of teacher to Lear (1.4. ). The Fool arrives and begins to teach Lear a speech. Also, when the King is going mad, he†¦show more content†¦The advice the Fool gives is often hard to decipher but when one deciphers it, it seems very wise. Thus, one sees the Fool is not foolish but wise. Lear goes mad. Edmund is a sociopath. Yet surrounded by fools, he maintains his sanity. Yet no one seems to listen to the Fool. When he teaches his speech, Kent calls it nothing (1.4. ). The Fool constantly rattles off advice. Yet this advice goes to the wind. This emphasizes the stupidity and madness in the upside-down world surrounding the Fool. Moreover, the Fool sheds light on Lear. Goneril calls him and unlicensd Fool (1.4. ). The Jester is privileged. Lear banishes Kent for questioning him, but the Fool says whatever pleases him. When Lear lets the Fool call him nothing, he shows his mercy but he also shows his confusion. He does not fear banishment. Finally, the Fool provides humor. First, the nothing jokes in 1.4 provide much humor. In addition, the Fools songs are humorous and informative. Moreover, one can find humor in the way the Fool treats the King. When the Fool disappears in 3.6, most of the humor of the play dies with him. In conclusion, the disappearance of the Fool from many productions diminishes both King Lear and Lear greatly. One sees the importance of the Fool to Lear early in the play. He plays the role of teacher, advisor and commentator. Also the Fool sheds light on Lear. One can see the mercy of LearShow MoreRelated foolear The Wise Fool in Shakespeares King Lear Essay1325 Words   |  6 PagesThe Wise Fool in King Lear      Ã‚  Ã‚   Whether or not the role of the Fool is an important one within King Lear is arguable. Although he seems to have great insight into much of the plays main events, he seems not to have any real influence on both the plot as well as the outcome of the play. He remains the sole character who does not have any direct link with the events of the plot, coupled with an unusually early exit; this raises the question of his significance. However at the very leastRead MoreEssay foolear Importance of the Fool in Shakespeares King Lear1195 Words   |  5 PagesImportance of the Fool in King Lear    William Shakespeares genius came from how closely he intertwined the two seemingly mutually exclusive realms to appeal to all socio-economic groups in his audience. The character of the Fool provides the closest intercourse of the two realms between King Lears royalty and Poor Toms poverty, while still maintaining their separation. The Fools role in King Lear was to counteract the Kings follies in order to bring him to his senses. With his honesty