In Asian philosophy, the concept of yin yang represents two
complementary opposites that work together within a greater whole. In
Shakespeare’s King Lear, Cordelia and the Fool, two seemingly opposite
characters, work together to assist King Lear. When the Fool advises the King
he is blunt and harsh. He mocks the King, repeatedly calling him a fool. His
attitude towards the King is in direct contrast with Cordelia’s. Where the Fool
is rude and erratic, Cordelia is calm and soothing. She speaks to the King softly,
carefully counseling him. Cordelia and the Fool are direct opposites in their
approaches, but both hold the same ultimate goal; to assist the King in any way
they can. Although the two characters never meet, they nevertheless are able to
accomplish this goal together. The fool, with his riddles and quips shows the
King his errors. While Cordelia, with her French Army, fights for the King and
defends his title. The two characters stand by Lear, regardless of how he has
treated them. the Fool, whose job is to merely entertain the King, has become
close to his master, portrayed by his pet name ‘nuncle’ and is loyal to him.
His loyalty is strongly indicated by his last words of the play, “Now, good my
lord, lie here and rest awhile.” This devotion to the very end represents how
much he cares for his master. Cordelia’s loyalty stems from her filial
obligation and her love for her father. Although they have different
approaches, Both Cordelia and the Fool’s efforts combined are able to help Lear
in his desperate time of need.
Conor, I enjoy your different outlook on the two opposing characters. The fool and Cordelia (both my favorite characters in the play) had this connection, though neither has ever met on stage. Many acclaim that the same actor often plays Cordelia and the fool, presenting this idea of a common persona. I do not believe that it is safe to say the two characters are anything close to the same person. Polar opposites are a better description. Which connects into your idea. Your theory presents an interesting explanation for the odd stage placements.
ReplyDeleteThis had me thinking: did Shakespeare purposely place these characters far from each other in the play to display this connection between the two?
Without the fool, Cordelia is just a misunderstood, upset daughter who runs to her husband in France. But without Cordelia, the fool is just a random character who presents comic relief as he mocks the King’s every action. They work in balance to create this compassionate view of Lear (though I still do not see it). Without the characters around him, Lear is just an angry old man who was betrayed by his eldest daughters. These characters give him substance. I believe that without their opposing qualities, Lear would not be presented as a character that needs to be sympathized because of his turmoil.
But I still believe Lear is a heartless, selfish man who only went to his youngest because the eldest are so harsh and devilish, it drove him to his last option.