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...
17th century, dramatic character, England, Europe, primary source, quotes
A marvelous line from As You Like It demonstrating the power of the fool to see and expose the folly of the allegedly wise with even just a passing glance. The wiseman’s folly is anatomiz’d / Even by the squand’ring glances of the fool. Source:...
20th century, dramatic character, Europe, fooleum, photo, primary source, Sweden
Something wonderfully quirky about this old photo of a Swedish actor, Ivar Nilsson, in the role of King Lear’s fool. The costume with the rabbit ear cap is striking, but it is the facial expression and make up which captivates, including an off-centre nose and a...
16th century, dramatic character, England, English, Europe, primary source, quotes
Here Lear’s fool gives advice that could by usefully followed by most of us. I also like his willingness to take back his advice if you happen to find a better source of wisdom. Which of course you know you won’t, at least if you’ve read your...
18th century, dramatic character, England, fooleum, primary source
This arresting drawing, by the Swiss artist Henry Fuseli (Johann Heinrich Füssli) (1741-1825), depicts Edgar feigning madness and approaching King Lear whose madness is painfully real. Its clean, strong lines seem to echo Blake’s style. Also on Lear, see this...
