The fool, in life and in literature, is an enduring character. Over the course of history, he appears under different titles and in different forms. He is sometimes identified by his physical agility or by his physical deformity, by his sharp wit or by his utter stupidity. Among many of Shakespeare’s plays, the fool represents a lowly person who often acts ridiculous to gain attention or is paid to entertain. The fool is generally a person who is searching for wisdom, sense, and judgment. In King Lear, a specific type of fool acts as a servant, and a loyal friend of the King. He is marked by his clever word play, witty insults, and his ability to bring down other characters through deception and trickery. The purpose of the Fool in King Lear,
…show more content…
Alan Hager argues that his dress “[symbolizes absolute poverty] parodying the ruler’s opulent dress”(290). The Fool is also often seen carrying around a miniature doll, or stick with a head (Hager 289). According to Hager, this age of mentality, is a “point of contradiction in literary criticism”(289). Lear’s Fool is referred to throughout the play as a ‘boy’. Many critics take this label in a literal sense -but many also view this as a derogatory label- that he may either be mentally handicapped or suggestive of servant behavior. A.R.Somroo observed that, “Unlike his fellows in other plays, he is nameless, with no more distinguishing badge of individuality than plain ‘Fool’. He is scarcely a person, a unit to be counted. He is a wandering voice--- the voice of Lear’s conscience, taking outward form in this grotesque yet wistful figure”(2). The Fool’s witty remarks indicate a mental capability that surpasses the age of a young boy, but there are cases the Fool has moments of immaturity. For example, if he were an adult, he would not be frightened by the remarks of Poor Tom in the cave. With this, it may be seen that the Fool may be handicapped, but does not have the physical state of a young boy, or that he is purposefully acting as a fool to show that the King has power over him. Through his dress and childlike behavior, he is able to build a relationship with the King. In this relationship, he confesses to the King’s follies, but also guides the audience through the dark
Alan Hager argues that his dress “[symbolizes absolute poverty] parodying the ruler’s opulent dress”(290). The Fool is also often seen carrying around a miniature doll, or stick with a head (Hager 289). According to Hager, this age of mentality, is a “point of contradiction in literary criticism”(289). Lear’s Fool is referred to throughout the play as a ‘boy’. Many critics take this label in a literal sense -but many also view this as a derogatory label- that he may either be mentally handicapped or suggestive of servant behavior. A.R.Somroo observed that, “Unlike his fellows in other plays, he is nameless, with no more distinguishing badge of individuality than plain ‘Fool’. He is scarcely a person, a unit to be counted. He is a wandering voice--- the voice of Lear’s conscience, taking outward form in this grotesque yet wistful figure”(2). The Fool’s witty remarks indicate a mental capability that surpasses the age of a young boy, but there are cases the Fool has moments of immaturity. For example, if he were an adult, he would not be frightened by the remarks of Poor Tom in the cave. With this, it may be seen that the Fool may be handicapped, but does not have the physical state of a young boy, or that he is purposefully acting as a fool to show that the King has power over him. Through his dress and childlike behavior, he is able to build a relationship with the King. In this relationship, he confesses to the King’s follies, but also guides the audience through the dark