Shakespearen Characters - Fools and Clowns

                                                             Shakespearen characters

Shakespeare’s use of fools and clowns serves multiple purposes in his plays, adding depth and complexity to his storytelling.In the early comedies of Shakespeare,the full fledged characters of fools are not seen.As Dowten says,''In the early comedies Shakespeare must have studied the response of the audience to the character of the fool on the stage.'' Fools of Shakespeare are men of remarkable wisdom and knowledge,walks along with the main character,moves everywhere like the Sun,carries sunshine with them.Wherever they go merry and joy overshades the entire place,laughter being evoked throughout the play.

Dowten also quotes that ''Shakespeare must've been encouraged by the warm reception given by the audience to the characters of the fool,in the early comedies''Hence Shakespeare presents full fledged characters like 'Feste' and 'Dutchstone' in his comedies namely 'Twelfth Night' and 'As you like that.' In Twelfth Night,Viola sums up the character of the fool in memorable words,shethe  admires the sparkling wit,humor and devastating comments.She certifies that,'this fellow is wise enough to play the fool.'

1. Social Criticism: Fools are also used in providing sharp social criticism against societal norms and behavior. Because of their unique position in society, they are better qualified to speak the truth that no other character would dare utter by using humor and wit to underpin the absurdity and injustice in society.

2. Development of Storyline: The fools and clowns play a very crucial role in the development of the story. Most of the time, the engagement of these characters with the other main characters initiates major discoveries and turning points of the plot.

3. Comic Interlude: Fools are part of comic relief in tragic tales. Fools relieve the momentousness of some themes and give the audience a much-needed break. For example, the Fool in "King Lear" provides comic relief in a play often enveloped by highly intellectual emotional depths.

4. Subversion of Authority: Fools commonly subvert established social hierarchy by challenging norms and figures of authority. Examples include the character of Feste in "Twelfth Night," who utilizes his position to comment on the behaviors of the upper class.

5. Existential Reflection: Beyond the comic relief, fools really do give considerable philosophical reflections. They may reveal deeper truths of human nature and the human experience, as seen through characters like the Fool in "King Lear" and Touchstone in "As You Like It."

These traits make Shakespeare's fools and clowns indispensable in his plays, adding depth to the narrative with multiple layers and creating much more involvement with the audience.