foolear The Wise Fool in Shakespeares King Lear Essay

The Wise Fool in King Lear Whether or not the role of the Fool is an important one within King Lear is arguable. Although he seems to have great insight into much of the plays main events, he seems not to have any real influence on both the plot as well as the outcome of the play. He remains the sole character who does not have any direct link with the events of the plot, coupled with an unusually early exit; this raises the question of his significance. However at the very least he does certainly serve as entertainment not only for Lear but the audience as well, with his honesty, wittiness, and clever speeches that not only adds to the light humour but also to show us that the Fool could indeed be perceived as being†¦show more content†¦However, we can see that when the Fool becomes too close to the raw truth Lear will warn him that he will be whipped if he goes too far. When Lear first warns him with it, he replies: Truths a dog, that must to kennel: he must be whipped out, when the Lady Brach may stand by the fire and stink. Here the Fool warns Lear that his two daughters will have control over him due to his actions. Although Lear doesnt want to hear the truth and therefore tries to avoid it, the Fool essentially forces it out into the open through his speeches. He often uses comedic verses of saying to highlight the point he is trying to put across. In addition to this, he also provides various rhymes and riddles, taking on the role of a Chorus as a means of discussing the plays actions in a light-hearted yet clearly stating the essence of what is happening. For example, the following quotation sees the Fool referring to Lears actions concerning Cordelia: ...That man makes his toe What he his heart should make, Shall of a corn cry woe And turn his sleep to wake He refers to the way in which people may drive away those who they should love due to misplaced affection and that this will ultimately cause a person much grief and sleeplessness. This refers to the way he reacted when Cordelia failed to flatter him in his `love-test. This suggest the Fool to be quite wise to point this out, however it may be too