King Lear literaure essay
... has to remember that all of his misery is to a great extent self inflicted and therefore I have to fully agree with the Fool’s views. ‘Thou art an O without the figure,’ a valid statement by the Fool, however offensive it may be to his master. A direct reference to Lear’s worthlessness, much like a number without its value. The Fool previously declared to Lear that he would ‘rather be any kind o’thing than a fool, and yet he would not be thee, nuncle.’ I find this to be quite a slap in the face for Lear, however Lear shows no reaction to this statement. This reveals that Lear may not actually be taking heed to what the Fool is saying, and could implicate that he is in denial as to his situation. For a Fool, a mere servant, someone who is made a mockery of daily, to make this statement, highlights the extent to which Lear has been reduced. The Fool could also be trying to open Lear’s eyes to the fact that the treatment he is receiving from his own daughters is callous and hard-hearted even by a servant’s standards. ‘I am better than thou art now, I am a fool, thou art nothing.’ I find this statement be yet another brutal comment to Lear made the Fool, especially when one considers he is talking to the previous ruler of Britain. While this might be a slight exaggeration on the Fool’s behalf and is quite ruthless in its execution, the Fools argument is valid. As a result of know ...