foolear The Wise Fool in Shakespeares King Lear Essay -- King Lear e

The omniscient have in King Lear Whether or non the role of the spud is an important one within King Lear is arguable. Although he seems to have capital perspicacity into much of the plays main events, he seems not to have all real influence on both the plot as advantageously 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 first exit this raises the question of his significance. However at the very least he does certainly serve as entertainment not only for Lear unless the audience as well, with his honesty, wittiness, and clever speeches that not only adds to the light climate but besides to show us that the Fool could indeed be perceived as being one of the wisest characters in the play. The main roles of the Fool seem to be as Lears conscience, as a comedian to cater light relief from the tragic play as well as a means of communicating his themes such as the idea of foolishness, self-knowledge. In addition, he is the only person with the ability to speak to Lear in the way he does. He also serves as a reminder for Lear for his actions within the play, in particular his stupidity and mistakes. The Fool appears in the middle of characterization I Scene 4 of the play and immediately we can distinctly see his integrity when talking to others. He tells Lear thou must needs wear my coxcomb which suggests the king to be the Fool rather thusly himself and that Lear was foolish to divide his kingdom as he has done. Kent before him had criticized Lear for his determination causing him to be banished from the kingdom, however the Fool receives no such punishment showing us that he can get away with actions that argon far more courage... ...easons as to why he actually leaves remain unseen again in the play. At this point in the play, Lear ultimately goes mad therefore, this suggests that the Fool unneeded, as Lear no lon ger has the ability of reasoning. This also suggests that the Fool is indeed a metaphor for Lears conscience. Additionally, this is also the point where Lear begins to at long last learn that he has made some terrible mistakes. This could be suggesting that the more foolish we become, the wiser we are because as Lear finally loses his mind, he finally gains insight into his mistakes. Works Consulted Shakespeare, William. King Lear. Ed. R.A. Foakes. Surrey International Thomson Publishing Company, 1997. Willeford, William. The Fool and His Scepter A Study in Clowns and Jesters and Their Audience. Evanston Northwestern University Press, 1969.