THE FOOL

THE FOOL

1. He is no ordinary jester introduced into the play for the sole purpose of providing a little levity and relieving the tension of the drama

   • In relentlessly reminding Lear of his foolishness, the Fool helps his old master to achieve self- knowledge
     • The Fool displays remarkable loyalty, remaining with Lear throughout his descent into insanity.

2. Lear describes his jester as a "bitter fool" because he tells the Lear the bitter truth at all times:

   • "Thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown when thou gavest thy golden one away"
     • He never refrains from giving full rein to his caustic wit in reminding Lear of the errors of his way.
       • When Lear asks: "Dost thou call me fool, boy?"
         • The Fool's response is typically sharp:
           • "All other titles thou hast given away; that thou wast born".
   • The fool recognises that the truth is not always well- received:
     • "Truth's a dog must to kennel"

3. The Fool's most striking quality to Lear

   • In one of his songs, he informs Lear that while his knights have already gone, he will stay:
     • "But I will tarry; the fool will stay".
       • Once Lear has acquired self- knowledge, the Fool's dramatic purpose is fulfilled and we neither see nor hear from him beyond the storm scene.

4. KEY ADJECTIVES

   • loyal, devoted
     • caring (towards Lear)
   • courageous
   • insightful, wise
   • blunt, direct