foolear Role of the Fool in William Shakespeares King Lear

The Role of the Fool in William Shakespeares King Lear In the play King Lear, by William Shakespeare, there are many intriguing characters. Perhaps the most intriguing of them all is the fool. The fool seems to exist outside the play appearing and disappearing without warning. The fool is, however, a necessary character to the evolution of Lears character, since he is the personification of 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†¦show more content†¦The fool, however, does not tell Lear directly that he is going insane, Then I prithee be merry. Thy will shalt not go slipshod(I. IV. 11-12). The fool uses riddles and jokes to convey his message to Lear. Even when Lears insanity was causing the fool discomfort, Blow winds and crac k your cheeks! Rage! Blow! Your cataracts and huricanoes, spout till you have drenched our steeples, drowned the cocks! You sulphrous and thought-executing fire, vaunt-couriers of oak-cleaving thunderbolts, singe my white head (III. II. 1-3) The fool stayed by his side and tried to convince Lear to go inside, O nuncle, court holy water in a dry house is better than this rain water out odoor (III. II. 10-11). He doesnt care about his well being he just wants to help the King any way he can. The fool also helps Lear by pointing out certain truths about people, as well as flaws in his very own actions. After Goneril gives Lear an ultimatum of get rid of the troops or get out, Lear decides to seek lodgings at the residence of his other daughter Regan. The fool simply responds by saying, Shalt see thy other daughter will use the kindly; for though shes as like this as a crabs like an apple, yet I can tell what I can tell (I. V. 14-16), meaning, shes going to side with her sister and treat you the same. Later in the play the fool warns Lear about a misfortune which he predicts could be in the planing, For you know, nuncle, the hedy sparrow fed the cuckoo so long that it