16th century, Europe, Latin, Netherlands, primary source, quotes
According to Rabelais, kings and fools were born under the same horoscope. Perhaps that explains why we should be born one or the other, as outlined by Erasmus. One ought to be born a king or a fool. Aut regem, aut fatuum nasci oportere. Which would you be? ...
17th century, England, English, Europe, historical figure, primary source, quotes, Scotland, stories, Stuart
All kinds of stories are told about the background from which various court jesters emerged, and some may even be true. Or we know at least that the jester was for real but we can’t be sure about the recruitment trajectory. This is one of the more original...
19th century, Europe, France, French, primary source, quotes
The range of jesterly skills included the capacity to versify, at least in improvising witty ditties, and there are instances of a court poet having something of the jester’s role. In some cases, such as in China, jesters were able to write poems which passed...
20th century, English, quotes, research
How much analysis of other countries and cultures, informing both policy and relations with others, gives consideration to what makes them laugh? Seriously. Trying to understand another country merely by reading its literature results in limited knowledge even when...
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,...
20th century, England, fictive fool, primary source, quotes
Once I was asked what motivated me to study fools and jesters, and I answered ‘envy’. A little of that, and a lot of admiration for their various skills and resilience. This quote of Kenneth Grahame perhaps conveys the exuberant spirit of the fool. Oh,...
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...
