The theme of appearance vs. reality
is prevalent in many of Shakespeare's works (Hamlet's feigned
madness, Juliet appearing dead, etc). Of course, this is also
prevalent in King Lear, as
exemplified by the deceptive actions of Gloucester and King Lear's
children. In King Lear's case, reality is made clear by the Fool.
The
role of the Fool was not really clear to me on my first read-through.
He seemed to be sort of a nuisance, as his name would indicate.
However, upon further thought, he seems to be more intelligent than
his own master. He can clearly see reality as it is, rather than what
it appears to be.
If it
were not for the Fool, Lear would not have known that he was being
deceived by both of his daughters. It seems as if the Fool is
foreshadowing what is to come by constantly and cruelly criticizing
the king for taking what appeared to be as reality. If the king does
not listen to the Fool and learn to see reality clearly, what will
become of his kingdom?
So in
closure, after reading only the first act, the role of the Fool seems
to be that of one who sees clearly the happenings around him. He is
not deceived like his master or Gloucester, but rather helps them to
see reality clearly.
I agree with this completely. The fool seems to work as almost a voice of reason to Lear. He makes Lear aware of each and every mistake he has made towards his daughters and kingdom. I personally love the fool's character. I find it hilarious how he is the only one throughout the story who can simply say “You’re a fool” to Lear without receiving any form of punishment. His purpose is to guide Lear with proper reasoning and, of course, to add an element of comedic relief to Shakespeare’s play.
ReplyDeleteI think that your original impression of the fool was correct. He is a nuisance, but this is only because he corrects Lear’s faults in an obnoxious manner. Lear’s stubborn and childish personality makes him grow angry when he is faced with views that oppose his own. This is shown when he banishes Cordelia because she refuses to verbalize her affections. Lear still grows angry when the fool mocks his mistakes. I can’t figure out if Lear is angered because he understands that the fool is correct and Lear is embarrassed, or if it is because Lear simply cannot consider criticism as anything but an opposition to his power.
Sorry I went off on a bit of a tangent.. I promise it seemed to relate to the original idea at first.
After our discussion in class today, I just wanted to change a few things about my recent comment:
ReplyDeleteOriginally, I was under the influence that Lear comprehended each insult that the fool threw at him, but I can see now that this is untrue. The fool speaks to Lear in riddles far beyond Lear's capability of understanding. I believe that the fool still acts as a voice of reason, but his reasoning is not directed to the king, rather it is targeted towards the audience. The fool's character is ironic because of the position he holds. When one thinks of a fool, they imagine someone silly and simple-minded; however, Shakespeare’s fool is, in my opinion, the wisest and most intelligent character introduced so far throughout the play.
Brianne, I agree that the fool’s comments toward Lear go over his head. He finds the fool amusing for his constant rhymes, riddles, and songs, but Lear does not fully comprehend what the fool is truly saying. The fool uses riddles as a metaphor to express to the audience Lear’s mistakes, even though he attempts to tell Lear. Lear laughs at the fool’s indirect insults to him; therefore, the fool’s reasoning goes beyond Lear’s comprehension.
DeleteJames, I agree with your assesment of the Fool, I also find him to be cleverly informing Lear that he has made a drastic mistake. I view the Fool as the voice of reason for Lear, as he points out Lear's flaws and counsels him. When I first read the Fool's scene, I instantly liked him, finding his almost cryptic way of insulting the King an amusing break in an otherwise tragic storyline. I believe the character of the Fool serves as a foil to King Lear; Where King Lear acts instinctively, the Fool is able to step back and view the situation logically. He adds an outsider's perspective to King Lear's predicament. Also, King Lear is borderline bipolar, playing on his emotions all to regularly in the play. First he gets extremley angry at his daughter's actions then completley forgives them, because the other daughter did something worse. To foil King Lear's mood swings, the Fool is always calm and collected and provides a well-thought out response to everything he observes.
ReplyDeleteIt is my conclusion the the Fool, although amusing, serves a deeper purpose in Shakespeare's play. As you had stated he serves as one character close to King Lear that is immune to the deceits of the two daughter's and attempts to inform the King of his foolishness. The Fool also serves as a foil to King Lear, highlighting the Kings gullibility with his own perceptions, as well as the King's aggression with his own composure.
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