Upon reading the play, one can conclude that the fool is indeed a wise man impersonating an idiot, or an idiot who is also wise. The fool called upon by King Lear, for probably some cheering up, bashes the king for his own folly and ignorance but in such a way as to make fun and keep the king from understanding what he means. He recites a poem, which is really straight forward, but which the king found was nonsense.
The lyrics of his singing were also confusing to the king. Here he speaks/sings of how the older daughters and their father have seemed to have switched places and they are the parents and him the child. As the fool said: "ever sincethou madest thy daughtersthy mothers: " This can also allude to foreshadowing, symbolism and allusion.
Foreshadowing that something to this measure will occur. Symbolism, indicating the senile age which the king is falling into, and which would lead to his being taken care of by his daughters. Allusion, in that it goes back to when the king's own children were young and needed to be taken care, however it is going to occur in the reverse for the foreshadowing.
The fool seems to take delight in insulting people but coating it to look as though he is only jesting. However,he does make a habit of telling the truth, via the means of frivolity and mockery.
In the movie clip, however, the fool is such a jovial character, yet is an annoyance to everyone. He livens up the drab, disheartening scene with his significant puns and jokes. His sincerity as he drops hints to Lear here and there adds a dramatic effect, making it look as though he himself is trying to tell the king two things under the cover of one. The King even seems to have a certain bit of respect. This fool really plays the part of three people in an English/European court: confidante, advisor and his true role of a fool. He is the character that seems to highlight the whole scene, and maybe in a greater outlook the whole play.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment