Describe the attempts of the Fool in trying to enlighten the King as to the true nature of his elder daughters.
Describe the attempts of the Fool in trying to enlighten the King as to the true nature of his elder daughters.
Introduction:
The Fool is the king’s advocate, loyal and honest, but he is also able, to point out the king’s faults, in a manner which no one else can. The Fool’s use of irony, sarcasm, and humor help to ease the truth, and allows the fool to moderate Lear’s behavior. While Cordelia and Kent had each acted “unmannerly” and begged Lear to “see better” each incurring his “Dragon’s wrath”, the Fool is “all-licens’d” and practically replaces both daughter and advisor for the successive two acts.
Argument 1:
The Fool assumes the role of Lear’s protector, when Cordelia is banished. He functions much as a chorus would in a Greek tragedy, commenting upon events and the king’s actions and in many ways, voicing the king’s trouble and repressed conscience. The Fool thus plays a major role. He provides basic wisdom and reasoning for the king at much needed times, and when these qualities are in short supply. The Fool also provides a source of amusement for Lear in times of sadness and is also one of the only people besides the Duke of Kent and Cordelia who are willing to stand up to the king and chastise him in public.