Fools and Kings

A detailed Summary of Fools and Kings

Shakespeare's dynamic use of irony in King Lear aids the microcosmic illustration of not only 16th century Britain, but of all times and places. The theme that best develops this illustration is the discussion of fools and their foolishness. This discussion allows

Shakespeare not only to portray human nature, but also to elicit a sort of Socratic

introspection into the nature of society's own ignorance as well.

One type of fool that Shakespeare involves in King Lear is the immoral fool.

Edmund, for instance, may be seen as a fool in the sense that he is morally weak. His

foolishness lies in the fact that he has no sense of right or justice, which rewards him with

an untimely, ironic death. He discusses this as his father, Gloucester, leaves to ponder the

"plotting" of his son Edgar. Edmund soliloquizes,

"This is the excellent foppery of the world, that

...we make guilty of our disasters

the sun, the moon, and stars, as if we were villains

on necessity; fools by heavenly compulsion." (I. ii. 32)

for the sole purpose of illustrating his wickedness. Edmund realizes that his evil is self-

accompanying responsibility of the crown. However, in a more complicated manner, Lear's foolishness is derived from his inability to see that although he was king, he was a simple man as well. As a king, he wished to have his daughters openly display an undying affection for him. He shows that his practices are derived from that of a king, in that he can only see life through the eyes of a king, not a simple man. Unfortunately for Lear, his reason comes to him in madness. He states "When we are born, we cry that we come to this great stage of fools" (IV.vi.178-179) as if he finally had come to realization that everyone is a human being, be they king or beggar.

Another ignorant fool, and obviously one of the most important, is King Lear

the competition for Gloucester's title, and possibly rid himself of his father in the same

The character of the fool introspects our own intelligence. Do we, for instance,

the sequent effects. Love cools, friendship falls off, brothers divide...in palaces,

Some common words found in the essay are:
King Lear, William Shakespeare, Edgar Edmund, Regan Edmund, Edmund Edgar, Lear Shakespeare, Unfortunately Lear, IIii261-262 Fool's, king lear, Kings Shakespeare's, Irre April, fools foolishness, foolishness king lear, foolishness lies, foolish deeds, ignorant fool, sun moon, king simple, evil evil, inner voice, human nature,

Approximate Word count = 1157
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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Fools and Kings

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