Saturday, June 1, 2019
foolear Essay on Shakespeares King Lear - The Fool In Us :: King Lear essays
King Lear The grade In Us King Lear is without doubt Shakespe ars most nihilistic play. It is a storm without clearing. In this version of reality, faith is absurd. The play is set in the pagan era, where King Lear loses all his faith in the gods. However, we see the need for Christian revelation in the hopelessness of the play. We also see in the character of the Fool a character who resembles the wisdom and words of the Apostle Paul Let no man give away himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool that he may be wise.1 These words are very similar to the function and meaning of the word fool in the play. While fool in Shakespeares plays can represent a dupe, a madman, a beloved one, a court jester, or a victim, it means all of these in King Lear. For the Fool is the court jester, Cordelia is Lears beloved one, and Lear, himself, is at various times duped, a madman, and a victim. Yet, when we look at the words of Paul, we see the Fool tel l Lear virtually the same(p) thing in this play. For Lear believes himself to be wise, when, in reality, he is a duped fool Fool. If thou wert my Fool, Nuncle, Id have thee beaten for being old before they time. Lear. Hows that? Fool. Thou shouldst non have been old till thou hadst been wise.2 The Fool loves Lear as much as anyone in the play, save for his youngest daughter Cordelia. The Fool knows Lears only mistake is not accepting Cordelias expression of love. Once he has divided his kingdom between Goneril and Regan it is too late for any advice to Lear to resolve the matter. The Fool tries to get Lear to understand what a dupe and bungler he has been, but Lear cannot see himself as the portrait the Fool paints. Lear needs nothing more than himself he has everything in himself. However, he goes from everything in himself to nothing because he has been unwise Lear. Does any here know me? This is not Lear Does Lear walk thus? Speak thus? Where are his eyes? Either his belief weakens, his discernings Are lethargied-Ha waking? tis not so. Who is it that can tell me who I am?
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