Discuss the role of the fool in ‘King Lear’. To what extent does the fool’s relationship
with Lear effect the development of his character in the play?
Rewrite the essay below adding quotations and examples to back up each point.
Remember to state the context of each quote and what it helps show. Add your own
improvements – particularly to the conclusion!!! Use KEY words.
In Shakespeare’s, King Lear, the Fool plays three major roles. One of these roles is of an
“inner-conscience” of Lear. The Fool provides basic wisdom and reasoning for the King at
much needed times through the use of riddles, jokes and puns. The Fool also works as
amusement for Lear in times of sadness and is also one of the only people besides the Duke
of Kent and Cordelia who are willing to stand up to the King. The fool is to a large extent, a
necessary character to the evolution of Lear's character. Not only does he help Lear to see
truth and reason, the fool serves to show Lear how he is going insane, as well as to attempt
to delay this inevitability. The fool also demonstrates to Lear the truths about people around
him, and tries to point out what treachery and deceit they wish upon him. When Lear is too
far-gone to heed the advice and knowledge of the fool, he vanishes without a trace, no longer
useful, or needed.
Right from the beginning of the play Lear shows sings of insanity. Lear divides up his kingdom
between his three daughters, allocating each portion to the daughter who tells him best how
much she loves him. Cordelia, Lear’s youngest and only loyal daughter refuses to voice her
love and is banished as a result. The fool is horrified by the King’s rash actions and
disappears for two days, grief stricken over the loss of Cordelia. Lear calls for the fool
repeatedly but to no avail. The fool’s absence reinforces the role of his character, that he
does not obey Lear blindly.
On his return the fool attempts to make Lear see the folly of his actions. The fool’s role as an
entertainer allows him to deliver thinly veiled insults to Lear without being punished. His
riddles and songs while seeming nonsense often hold the truth.
The fool also helps Lear by pointing out certain truths about people, as well as flaws in his
very own actions. When discussing Lear’s daughters Goneril and Regan the fool attempts to
show Lear their evil and cunning nature.
Lear’s decent into madness is slowed by the fool. However, he cannot prevent it completely.
As Lear reaches the height of madness he finally gains insight into the foolish decisions he
has made and their fatal consequences. At this point the fool disappears because he is no
longer needed. Lear has gained all the insight he needs and is now capable of seeing things
for himself.. Since the fool is only there to enhance Lear's insight, it is only fitting that when
Lear has this insight, the fool leaves.
As shown, the fool has a number of roles in King Lear. His character is also crucial to the
development of Lear’s character and the play in general.
Discuss the role of the fool in ‘King Lear’. To what extent does the fool’s relationship
with Lear effect the development of his character in the play?
Rewrite the essay below adding quotations and examples to back up each point.
Remember to state the context of each quote and what it helps show. Add your own
improvements – particularly to the conclusion!!! Use KEY words.
In Shakespeare’s, King Lear, the Fool plays three major roles. One of these roles is of an
“inner-conscience” of Lear. The Fool provides basic wisdom and reasoning for the King at
much needed times through the use of riddles, jokes and puns. The Fool also works as
amusement for Lear in times of sadness and is also one of the only people besides the Duke
of Kent and Cordelia who are willing to stand up to the King. The fool is to a large extent, a
necessary character to the evolution of Lear's character. Not only does he help Lear to see
truth and reason, the fool serves to show Lear how he is going insane, as well as to attempt
to delay this inevitability. The fool also demonstrates to Lear the truths about people around
him, and tries to point out what treachery and deceit they wish upon him. When Lear is too
far-gone to heed the advice and knowledge of the fool, he vanishes without a trace, no longer
useful, or needed.
Right from the beginning of the play Lear shows sings of insanity. Lear divides up his kingdom
between his three daughters, allocating each portion to the daughter who tells him best how
much she loves him. Cordelia, Lear’s youngest and only loyal daughter refuses to voice her
love and is banished as a result. The fool is horrified by the King’s rash actions and
disappears for two days, grief stricken over the loss of Cordelia. Lear calls for the fool
repeatedly but to no avail. The fool’s absence reinforces the role of his character, that he
does not obey Lear blindly.
On his return the fool attempts to make Lear see the folly of his actions. The fool’s role as an
entertainer allows him to deliver thinly veiled insults to Lear without being punished. His
riddles and songs while seeming nonsense often hold the truth.
The fool also helps Lear by pointing out certain truths about people, as well as flaws in his
very own actions. When discussing Lear’s daughters Goneril and Regan the fool attempts to
show Lear their evil and cunning nature.
Lear’s decent into madness is slowed by the fool. However, he cannot prevent it completely.
As Lear reaches the height of madness he finally gains insight into the foolish decisions he
has made and their fatal consequences. At this point the fool disappears because he is no
longer needed. Lear has gained all the insight he needs and is now capable of seeing things
for himself.. Since the fool is only there to enhance Lear's insight, it is only fitting that when
Lear has this insight, the fool leaves.
As shown, the fool has a number of roles in King Lear. His character is also crucial to the
development of Lear’s character and the play in general.