This Great stage of Fools

Abstract

A study of the role and function of the Fool in Shakespeare's King Lear. This thesis attempts to explore the very personal nature of the relationship between the Fool and King Lear and to give reasons for the Fool's disappearance from the play at its climax. It explores the folly of the various characters in the play and points out the characteristic traits which some of them, notably Poor Tom and King Lear himself, share with the professional curt-jester. It also involves discussions of the general nature of tragedy in the light of the peculiarly incongruous figure of the Fool in the tragic world. It includes an Appendix which sets down some speculations on the deeps underlying psychological motivations of the King - Fool relationship.