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,...
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...
16th century, dramatic character, Europe, France, French, play, primary source, quotes
The sottie was a form of French satirical drama from the 15th and 16th centuries, until they were banned. Their characters were allegorical without individual names and they were a channel for criticising the government. The Farce Morale de Troys Pelerins et Malice...
17th century, dramatic character, England, English, Europe, play, primary source, quotes
​In this play about Will Somers, the long-serving jester of Henry VIII (r. 1509-47), we have art imitating life, showing the spectrum of fiction-to-fact which a famous historical fool can encompass; Somers is not the only household name to have plays written about...
