The chorus, unique to Greek drama, is a band of people whose dominant role is to inform the audience of the developing emotions throughout the play. Played by numerous actors, this boastful crowd speaks in rhythmic verses, while assisting in keeping the forward momentum of the play. Sophocles demonstrates this idea throughout his tragedy, Oedipus Rex, employing the chorus as a means of motion, action and knowledge. They help to establish the facts behind King Oedipus as the tragedy unfolds. Throughout random scenes in the play, the chorus will systematically chime in their response, influencing the audience in a certain direction. Shakespeare uses this idea in The Tragedy of King Lear, but places the roles of the chorus in the characteristics of the Fool, an intelligent knave who follows and mocks the king’s every action. Though the Fool only has a small part, without his role, King Lear would lose a part of its tragedy and strength. The Fool's adds to the plays dynamtic, filling in faults of and confirming outside reactions on the actions of King Lear. The Shakespearean Fool’s informative songs, ironic jokes and judgmental remarks have a strong comparison to the purpose of a Greek chorus, persuading the audience’s emotions and confirming events of the tragedy.
Tara this is a really interesting idea that really made me think. Since I am writing about the Fool for the essay, I have been reading and rereading all the Fools lines to gain more insight to hie character. While reading his lines it becomes clear that the Fool is definitely vital to the play. He serves as a chorus by commenting on the action in the play more intelligently than any other character due to his ability to hold an outsider's perspective. His emotional detachment to the play allows him to hold this role, and supply to audience with a logical assessment of the play. As to Fool adding to the tragedy of the play I certainly agree. Shakespeare uses the character of the Fool to represent yet another example of a close relationship Lear loses by the end of the play, which ultimately makes Lear appear more lonely than ever. The Fool is clearly a clever development of Shakespeare's intended to appeal to the audience.
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