Fool in King Lear
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A fool in Shakespearean times was not what we think of a fool as today. Therefore, the role of the fool was much different. A fool was someone who was hired to entertain others, specifically the king. They entertained with wit not with physical comedy. In King Lear, the fool is probably the smartest character in the play. He is a jester, who uses smart talk and songs to give Lear important advice. He entertains Lear and the audience and brings humour into this dark tragedy. He is one of the only characters in the play that says things that make some sense. The problem is nobody really listens to his suggestions. The fool in some ways is superior to other characters...