The Role of the Fool in Shakespeare

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In many of William Shakespeare’s plays, moments of tragedy and tension are lightened by the interruption of comical characters. These characters are referred to as the “Shakespearean fool”. The reoccurring presence of such personalities captivated the audience of the Elizabethan era as it made them laugh. Shakespeare employed the use of humor as means to avoid a dismal atmosphere. This was most effective when the storyline became too serious, as it provided comic relief. A true Shakespearean fool, of this kind, is often a commoner or a peasant. Some one not belonging to a higher title or an important role in the play. Their characteristics are significantly heightened for theatrical effect. In this sense, it is solely their personality that makes them so amusing. They are oblivious as to how one should behave around others and are guilty of committing social faux pas on several occasions. Abiding to social conventions is not of concern to the fools. This, therefore, makes for a highly humorous situation. Another way in which the Shakespearean fool entertains the audience is through dramatic irony. This is when the audience knows of something but the characters on stage don’t. An example of this is what the fairies in Midsummer Nights Dream do. They manage to trick the characters on stage without them having a clue. They make fools out of the main characters. The tangled web of love is humorous. Although the fool is portrayed to be quite stupid, there are a few that have a certain cleverness to them. The fool in the play King Lear, for example, seems to comment on society’s behavior and criticizes King Lear’s actions. Despite the hilarious manor in which he does this, there is an element of truthfulness in what he says. However, there is a completely different kind of fool present in several of Shakespeare’s creations. These fools are not the type to commit
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