King Lear Journal # 2

The role of the fool in King Lear is to be someone who continually points out Lear's shortcomings. He is not the only one who does this but unlike the others he does not incur Lear's rath. The reason for this is not all clear but most likely it is because he uses a very poetic and comedic tone which Lear seems not to take seriously. The fools also acts as the chorus in the way he speaks and acts. The fool is also one of the few characters who's life is not directly effected by the events in the play. He does not appear to be emotionally involved and this makes the audience trust him more.