In the play King Lear, there are various characters with different roles. While some roles are more noticeable than others, the role of the Fool particularly captures my attention. According to the dictionary, a fool is someone lacking sense or judgment. However, I question whether the Fool truly lacks sense or judgment, or if he is perceived as a fool by others while actually being the opposite. These inquiries lead to one central question: Was the Fool a madman or a prophet? Personally, I believe he was a prophet because he possessed knowledge about the consequences of the King’s decisions. Unfortunately, his insights were often disregarded due to not being taken seriously. This leads me to conclude that the Fool was much more astute than people believed him to be. Additionally, besides introducing foolishness to the play, the Fool also employs irony. Despite being highly intelligent, he is treated as though he is unintelligent. The irony intensifies given that it becomes apparent that the King is losing his sanity while receiving advice from the Fool throughout the play. This ironic theme emphasizes even further that readers should comprehend and realize that he is far from foolish.In addition, the Fool serves as a voice of reality in Lear’s life. Perceiving him as “crazy,” the King allows the Fool to freely express himself without consequences, giving him a chance to share his eccentric thoughts. Although Lear ignores his advice, he still listens to what the Fool says. Ultimately, by providing clarity and reason, the Fool offers what the King truly needs. However, when he finally provides the King with a new perspective, it is too late – the damage has been done and the King has lost power.
The Fool enters the play following the division of the King’s kingdom, a significant moment in the narrative. The Fool’s entrance occurs after the King’s daughters have devised their wicked scheme. Additionally, the Fool departs from the play once the King is in a secure position alongside Kent and Cordelia. From this, it can be inferred that the Fool serves as a form of protection for the King. The Fool stands by him during times of adversity, yet does not remain when the King is out of danger. The Fool acts in the King’s best interest.
The Fool’s self-perception is much higher than how others perceive him. The comments he makes suggest that he believes he is always right. Although I agree with him, the characters in the play disrespectfully treat him differently. In his initial speech, the Fool states, “Have more than you should, speak less than you know and lend less than you need.” This statement can be interpreted in two ways. The Fool might be referring to the King, suggesting that he should have more as he lacks everything, including his daughters and his kingdom. The King should also exercise caution and be less generous. Perhaps if he were less trusting and generous, he wouldn’t have been taken advantage of. In my opinion, these statements hold true for the King. Alternatively, this quote could also be directed at the Fool himself. He possesses more than what people think he should, he speaks less than they realize, and he only offers a small amount. This characterization also accurately describes the Fool. Although the Fool likely talks about the King and the mess he created, he could also be applying the statement to himself.
The Fool possesses unique insights that elude others, such as his awareness of Goneril and Reagan’s true evil nature. Recognizing their deceitfulness, the Fool expresses his disdain, stating “they’ll have me whipped for speaking true.” While the Fool comprehends the extent of their malevolence, he also understands that the King remains oblivious to it. Realizing that Goneril and Reagan aim to seize control of the entire kingdom, leaving nothing for the King, the Fool perceives their corruption and openly expresses his disapproval. He even confronts Goneril directly, asserting his superiority over her intentions. However, given his role as “Just the Fool,” his words hold little weight. The Fool encompasses various roles throughout the play. Contemplating why the Fool cares deeply for the King, it becomes evident that he holds immense respect for him. The Fool stands by the King during difficult times, portraying a loyal companion. He advises the King that he “shouldn’t have become old until he was wise,” suggesting that his belief in his daughters was a foolish assumption. This indicates the Fool’s admiration and concern for the King. Their dynamic is complementary; whenever the King errs, the Fool is there to alert him. The Fool derives satisfaction from aiding the King, even though Lear remains unaware of his assistance in realizing his mistakes.It is ironic as a mighty King is unable to assist himself; he relies on his fool for aid. Although the fool’s apparent foolishness is disregarded, he possesses valuable wisdom. Conversely, the King may possess physical power but exhibits internal foolishness. Thus, their qualities complement each other excellently.
Throughout the play, the Fool’s prophetic characteristics become increasingly prominent. On page 919, he delivers a prophecy, proclaiming, “Things won’t be better until father’s that wear rags make their children blind, but fathers who hang on to their money will have good children…fortune turns the key.” This quote from the Fool is a straightforward message to the King. It suggests that if the King hadn’t divided his kingdom among his children, he would have “good children.” The concluding phrase, “fortune turns the key,” implies that it is the King’s responsibility to make the right choices in order to rectify the situation.
Irony is prevalent throughout the play when they are caught in a storm and Kent asks, “Who is there?” The Fool responds with “A wise man and a Fool.” This quote can be misleading as it initially appears that Lear is wise and the Fool is foolish. However, it can also be interpreted in reverse. Could this suggest that the Fool sees himself as foolish and Lear as wise? I believe he intended it in this latter sense. At this point in the story, Lear has lost his sanity and only the Fool keeps him under control. In this regard, by assisting him to his best ability, even though mad himself, makes others see him as wise while portraying Lear as foolish.
The concept that Lear is the Fool and the Fool is a wise man is not far-fetched. Lear behaves foolishly by granting his wicked daughters power over his kingdom and exiling his loving and loyal daughter. His foolish behavior ultimately results in his own downfall. Conversely, the Fool demonstrates wisdom by foreseeing the unfolding events, even though nobody heeds his warnings. In one of his last speeches, the Fool declares that everything will be fine once all injustices are rectified. The Fool suggests that resolving the chaos would necessitate magical intervention.
The presence and role of the Fool in the play encompasses various qualities. These qualities include irony, honesty, humor, and loyalty. In an ironic twist, the Fool, despite being labeled as a “fool,” showcased greater wisdom than the King. Throughout the play, the Fool contributed to the comical aspect by singing foolish songs and making sarcastic remarks towards other characters. Additionally, the Fool displayed honesty by advising the King on how to mend his kingdom. Among his many qualities, his loyalty stood out prominently. The Fool remained by the King’s side until he was assured of his well-being, even enduring the storm together. This demonstrated his loyalty, surpassing that of the King’s own daughters.
The role played by the Fool encompasses several aspects. Despite not being taken seriously by anyone in the play, he remained unperturbed and continued to express his opinions freely. In my opinion, his role held significant importance. He served as the voice of reason throughout the play, and without his character, the outcome would likely have been worse. On page 936, as the King was comfortably in bed and mentioned breakfast in the morning, the Fool responded with “And I’ll go to bed at noon.” This signified that he was concluding his guidance for the King and understood that Lear himself had to take charge of his actions.
Although the Fool was treated as if he were foolish in the play, his behavior did not match this perception. His actions were anything but foolish and showcased many admirable qualities that are often coveted today. Throughout the play, the Fool consistently demonstrated sound judgment and rationality, which contradicts the notion of him being a fool. He fearlessly voiced his thoughts, regardless of how peculiar or unintelligent they may have seemed. Despite being looked down upon by others, the Fool possessed a strong sense of self-worth. His primary purpose was to assist the King in situations where no one else would, further emphasizing his lack of foolishness. The fact that the Fool turned out to be wise only solidifies the importance of his role. Bibliography:
