dramatic character, fictive fool, folk fool, historical figure, quotes, stories
Dear Friends of Fools, Happy to announce you can now also follow the fool on our recently launched Instagram account.  See you there (and here, of course). And thank you for your continuing support, next batch of anecjokes coming up soon… Yours, in joy and...
17th century, dramatic character, England, English, Europe, play, primary source, quotes
Olivia, perhaps used to being railed against, acknowledges the licence of the jester to say whatever they wish. There is no slander in an allowed fool though he do nothing but rail. Source: Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, 1.5.76-78 Image credit: A photo of actor Louis...
17th century, dramatic character, England, English, Europe, play, primary source, quotes
This heart-rending quote reminds us of the role of the fool in consoling or comforting the king. The implication here is clearly that the fool, although labouring to soothe, is barely able to out-pace Lear’s pain. None but the fool, who labours to out-jest his...
19th century, dramatic character, Europe, France, French, play, primary source, quotes
Angely in Victor Hugo’s play, Marion de Lorme, does not behave obviously like a jester until the scene he shares with the king, who says: ‘Come. You who are never frightened of my majesty, Light in my soul a ray of gaiety’. ‘Viens. ...
19th century, dramatic character, Europe, German, Germany, play, primary source, quotes
Valerio in Georg Buchner’s play Leonce and Lena (1836) is a character for whom the power and weight of a Shakespearean court jester has been claimed. Although not formally designated a jester, he clearly acts the part, forever mocking and having his say,...
China, dramatic character, Europe, folk fool, historical figure, painting, portrait
As part of the Festival of the Fool, we invite you to join this lively, illustrated online presentation, in which Beatrice Otto will share some gems from the virtual museum of fools and jesters she is building, taking us on a short walk through ‘The...
17th century, dramatic character, England, English, Europe, play, primary source, quotes, Tudor
Babulo, whose name has an echo of babbling, is the clown servant of Grissell’s father. Â The marquis isn’t upset by his lack of grovelling genuflection, and invites him to live at court, but Babulo is (again) unimpressed, and roundly expresses his career...
16th century, dramatic character, Europe, German, play, primary source, quotes
A German verse by the Swiss writer Pamphilus Gengenbach (1480-1525) affirms that in the 16th century, the fool enjoyed a strong presence on stage, since scarce any play could open without one: There’s scarce a play that can begin Without a fool who steps right...
