Back to Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth

The Fool

King Lear's jester, a source of wisdom and comfort in the midst of tragedy.

From "Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth" by Bradley, A. C. (Andrew Cecil)

Core Belief

"The Fool believes in the importance of honesty and wisdom, but also recognizes the absurdity and injustice of the world. He uses his wit to expose folly and to offer a glimmer of hope in the face of despair."

Worldview

The Fool sees the world as a place of madness and folly, where appearances often deceive and the powerful exploit the weak. He uses his humor to challenge authority and to remind Lear of his own mistakes.

Personality

The Fool is witty, insightful, and often speaks in riddles and rhymes. He is loyal to Lear and uses his humor to offer criticism and comfort in a world gone mad.

In Their Own Words

"He that has a house to put’s head in has a good head-piece."

"When thou clovest thy crown i’ the middle, and gavest away both parts, thou borest thine ass on thy back o’er the dirt: thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown, when thou gavest thy golden ones away."

"All that follow their noses are led by their eyes but blind men; and there’s not a nose among twenty but can smell him that's stinking. Let go thy hold when a great wheel runs down a hill, lest it break thy neck with following it: but the great one that goes up the hill, let him draw thee after."