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In my presentation I mentioned Merlin and King Arthur. If you want to know more about this legend, I advise you to watch the BBC series Merlin for a better insight and understanding. I never watched it, but I heard it is a great show!

Link to trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01rxgwVmxx0

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Have you ever wondered if we were to label an individual in our society as " a fool", who would it be?

I personally can't express how many famous individuals fall under this label. Any actor, singer, dancer, painter and person in direct contact with art, at some point, must have made a fool out of oneself to be noticed and appreciated. Often, the ones who act the craziest attract the attention of the audience and are more likely to succeed in life.

Example 1: Stand up comedians such as Kevin Hart earn their fame by acting like fools; people pay money to watch their shows and their ridiculous gestures, whether those are verbal or physical.

Example 2: Social media platforms such as vine. For those who don't know, vine is an app where users can share six-second-long looping videoclips of funny situations, foolish happenings and unheard-of actions. This app became popular when people began to realize that, by posting a video of oneself doing something stupid, one can become famous. As a result, more and more people started recording themselves and posting videos to the point in which those videos were either embarrassing or inappropriate. An act that once was considered to be absurd transformed to an act of normal behaviour.

Example 3: TV shows. Every production hires a fool to make its show more appealing and entertaining for the audience. Often, people watch these shows for the craziness of the host. A very well known example is David Letterman.

Example 4: Behaviour. A person can be easily characterized as being a fool due to its irrational decisions and actions. Using as an example Justin Bieber, many people who once used to adore him, including Judge Judy, accused him of making a fool of himself when he egged his neighbour's house, spit over his fans, turned out drunk to concerts and many more. His out-of-the-ordinary behaviour had consequences that impacted his life significantly: got arrested.

In the 21st century, what does being a fool mean? How does it compare to the 17th century, when King Lear was written?

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Selvaraj, A. "Denied Pongal Bonus and Leave, Teashop Employee Kills Employer's Wife in Chennai." The Times of India City. N.p., 13 Jan. 2015. Web. 04The Aug. 2016.

Curry, Nathan. "Merlin ~ Other Characters in Arthurian
Legend | King Arthur & The Knights of the Round Table." Merlin ~ Other Characters in Arthurian Legend | King Arthur & The Knights of the Round Table. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Aug. 2016.

Grow, Kory. "Justin Bieber Is 'Making a Fool Out of Himself,' Says Judge Judy." Rolling Stone. N.p., 26 Feb. 2014. Web. 01 Aug. 2016.

"King Lear." SparkNotes. SparkNotes, n.d. Web. 01 Aug. 2016.

"Thomas More." BBC - History. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Aug. 2016.

"Twelfth Night." Folger Shakespeare Library. N.p., 05 Jan. 2015. Web. 01 Aug. 2016.

40erin. "AL PACINO Birthday 2015." YouTube. YouTube, 25 Apr. 2015. Web. 01 Aug. 2016.

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As seen in the previous paragraph, the Fool is loyal to his master. However, that is not always the case in every relationship of such type.

For example, Thomas More was an English lawyer, writer, member of parliament and chancellor in the reign of Henry VIII. Being one of the most trustworthy and effective individuals, he becomes the King's most loyal servants, acting as his secretary, interpreter, speech-writer, chief diplomat, advisor and confidant. In 1523, he becomes the speaker of the House of Commons and in 1525, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Shortly after experiencing such a high social status, one day, when asked by the Henry VIII to recognize his divorce and the English church's break with Rome, he refuses and denies any relation to the king, thus betraying him. In conclusion, Thomas More is an un loyal and ungrateful servant, acting in contrast to The Fool, who stays by Lear's side even in the darkest times.

This matter is reflected in the 21st century when employees betray their bosses for personal reasons. A very good movie that portrays this idea is Horrible Bosses, whose actors try to murder their employers for treating them inappropriately. Another example, this time one of a higher credibility, is the story of a boy in Chennai, India. Recently an article was published on The Times Of India City website about a teashop employee, whose denial of bonus and leave for Pongal Festival resulted in the murder of his employer's wife. Such approach of the matter proves my point of employees standing up for themselves for what it feels right in front of their employers. They have lucidly started to demand their rights by betraying their bosses, often leading to criminal offences.

Thomas More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/more_sir_thomas.shtml

Employee kills employer's wife: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Denied-Pongal-bonus-and-leave-teashop-employee-kills-employers-wife-in-Chennai/articleshow/45869822.cms

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Provide an answer and compare it to mine from the upcoming paragraph (15) to see if they are similar: (name + reason)

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( 0:00 - 1:32)

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"Where Love is throned" - 12th Night - Feste' Song (Ben Kingsley)

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♫ O mistress mine, where are you roaming? O stay and hear: your true-love's coming, That can sing both high and low: Trip no further, pretty sweeting; Journeys end in lovers' meeting, Every wise man's son doth know. What is love?

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Much like the Fool, Feste's purpose is to entertain the people around him. He is a multi-faced clown with the intention of revealing the truth through his absurd actions and love song. Both characters seem to be foolish and unworthy of trust, when overall, they are the ones who bring the plays to veracity.

Observation: Shakespeare likes to reveal the truth through clever peasants or commoners that use their wits to outdo people of higher social standing. Here are a few examples:

Twelfth Night - Feste
The Porter - MacBeth
Autolycus - The Winter's Tale
Grumio - Taming of the Shrew

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The reason why the Fool only talks to King Lear is due to his true and sincere character. He is a loyal friend that stays by the King's side until he considers it is necessary.

The Fool does not get involved with other characters, and subsequently, he develops the capacity to see things transparently. This means that, since he does not communicate with any other characters, he cannot be influenced as King Lear is by Kent, his daughters and every other character in direct relation to him.

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Directions: Follow the numbers in order and read every paragraph carefully. At the end you will be asked a question. Depending on your answer, you will either move onto the next question or take a detour. Don't worry if you are unsure of what to post; this exercise is meant to be fun and reveal unexpected thoughts! :)

"It's easy to fool the eye, but hard to fool the heart" (Al Pacino).

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Keep reading to find out why i would :)

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Why?

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Having been walked through most of my points in chronological order, you might have figured out that I focused my presentation on the Fool. Having said that, my question is, if you were given the chance to chance places with the Fool in Act III, would you?

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The act is supposed to have a superstitious and magical setting, yet no one, besides the Fool notices.

The Fool realizes such thing and connects the dots between the setting and the atmosphere through the prophecy. Therefore, he mentions Merlin and King Arthur to prove his wisdom and loyalty towards his master.

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"Come not in here, nuncle. Here’s a spirit. Help me, help me!"  (3.3.40)

The quote above demonstrates that the Fool is still a child at heart. When he first encounters "Poor Tom" (Edgar), his first instinct is to cry for help. Kent, in response to his reaction, does a paternal gesture and takes his hands. This passage focuses less on the Fool's carefully crafted language and more on his unnecessary childish outburst of wild imagination. Through the immature language, poems, songs and exclamations, he establishes familial relationships with all the characters around him, acquiring the role of son.

In the role of the son, the Fool is most closely associated to King Lear. Throughout Act III, King Lear seems to care about him on a deeper note, although he does not show it. The Fool treats him like his father, proving that he only wants the best for him, just like any child would do for its parent. In spite of his kindness, due to his ability to exhibit foresight and wisdom, the roles between the two characters sometimes switch.

The Fool repeats the word "nuncle" when he addresses The King.The word comes from uncle, signifying the fact that he sees King Lear as more than just his master: he sees him as a family member. The two characters are very close to each other.

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Most individuals might describe the two characters as being very similar in behaviour, yet that is not always the case. During the storm, i have noticed times in which they contrast each other. "Marry, here’s grace and a codpiece—that’s a wise man and a fool"(3.2.38). The Fool characterizes themselves as a wise man and a fool, two very distinct personalities. When the King behaves ferociously, the fool gives genuine advice. He predicts a prophecy which is as un clear as Lear's previous and subsequent behaviour, thus reflecting on the chaos created in the kingdom at the present state and its leader's mind. "When bawds and whores do churches build" (2.4.92). The Fool, once again, uses his charm and sarcasm within the prophecy to symbolize the tumultuous atmosphere.

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Who would have thought the Fool truly cares about someone else besides himself?

Unlike other characters who try to maintain the flame of disputes between King Lear and his two ungrateful daughters, the Fool tries to ease the tension and guide the King towards a kind-heartedly approach. "O nuncle, court holy water in a dry house is better than this rainwater out o' door. Good nuncle, in, and ask thy daughters blessing. Here’s a night pities neither wise man nor fool." (3.2.11-13). The Fool attempts to determine the King to redeem his mistake of having disowned Cordelia and, in addition, avoids to give birth to hate between the king and his daughters; all he tries to do is calm him down. This can be seen in the following quote: "Prithee, nuncle, be contented. 'Tis a naughty night to swim in. Now a little fire in a wild field were like an old lecher’s heart—a small spark, all the rest on ’s body cold. Look, here comes a walking fire." ( 3.4.95-100)

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( 1:38:10 - 1:39:20 )

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King Lear | RSC Education | Royal Shakespeare Company

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King Lear by William Shakespeare (1994) - Starring Sir John Gielgud and Kenneth Branagh

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BBC 3 Radio Drama performed by the Renaissance Theatre Company.

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The Fool is the surprise character in the play. Despite his funny appearances and behaviour, he is the only one who sees the truth. He understands the injustice present among the royal family, in terms of Cordelia and her two evil sisters, the distribution of the kingdom, and most importantly, the unfairness of favoritisms demonstrated not only in Act III, but throughout the entire play.

The Fool has a huge contribution up to Act III. By the end of the act, when he feels his job is done, he discreetly disappears for the rest of the play, leaving behind an unforgettable impression, that of a smart fool. The reason why i think the Fool disappears is that once the King loses his mind, The Fool can no longer keep him sane and remind him of wisdom. The Fool believes the king does not need him anymore. In respect to his loyalty and friendship, he leaves with no notice and goes on a different path.

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What does the prophecy mean?

The prophecy states that, when all things will be as bad as they happen to be, Albion (Britain) will be in chaos. The Fool tries to assure the king that there is still hope for him by giving a few examples of situations that will never occur: "When priests don’t practice what they preach/ When noblemen teach their tailors how to sew/ And pimps and whores build fine churches"(2.4.82-85). The Fool uses these statements, in relation to England's fate, to prove that both him and England will not perish. Given these facts, the Fool makes a reference to Merlin, recalling the tale of King Arthur and his supposed return to restore Britain to new glory. This sterns a sense of hope within King Lear, and as a consequence, he begins to change his perspective over the current actions.

http://www.kingarthursknights.com/others/merlin.asp

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Throughout Act III, the Fool stands by the king's side, supporting his morals and insanity. He encourages the confused man and gives birth to hope, a feeling that the King believes to have vanished in the face of disappointment.  The Fool helps the King see such emotion despite all the disturbing happenings in his life by reciting a prophecy.

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(2) "Fool me once, shame on you, Fool me twice, shame on me" 

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(2) "Fool me once, shame on you, Fool me twice, shame on me" 

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You might wonder why I chose a Chinese Proverb to overall describe my presentation. The reason is simple: The Fool misleads King Lear by definition and choice. Let me explain what i mean by such a statement. By definition, the Fool's purpose throughout the play is to entertain the King. By choice, he goes beyond his job and turns a situation of grief and sorrow, such as the King's, into a distorted reality. His purpose becomes to point out the King's lack of wisdom
(as of which is one of the themes in the play), by playing with the given situation of the king. The Fool portrays himself as being crazy, when in fact, he is perfectly rational. On the other hand, The king believes the Fool just turns his situation of having been betrayed by his daughters into a joke to cheer him up, when in reality, he guides him towards the right path. Similar to the situation of Cordelia, King Lear is blind and omits the truth that is right in front of him.

For instance, the Fool makes use of the storm to reveal parts of the truth, but as expected, the King does not realize. The king is so focused on complaining about his unfortunate fate, that he does not take into consideration the wise words coming from the Fool.

Here are the words of The Fool directed to King Lear during the storm:

"Before the head has any—
The head and he shall louse.
So beggars marry many.
The man that makes his toe
What he his heart should make
Shall of a corn cry woe,
And turn his sleep to wake.
For there was never yet fair woman but she made mouths in a glass." (3.2.27-34)

If you were in King Lears' shoes, would you have caught on the message?

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Unlike other characters, the Fool uses a surprisingly joyous language to express his thoughts. Due to his nature, he courageously puts himself out there as a lunatic person in an established melancholic, gloomy and depressed mood.

(The Fool in the video is the character dressed in a black suit; watch from 1:47 - 2:18 and observe his chaotic reaction.)
Example 1:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQq6IhKuW9E

The Fool' s insane imagination brings him to the belief of a supernatural phenomenon living amongst them: a ghost.  My question is, who would believe such thing? The King?

"A spirit, a spirit. He says his name’s Poor Tom." (3.3.40-41)

His tricky game of words and actions determine the surrounding characters to create a barrier of miscommunication, and as a result, King Lear is the only person he talks to.

I often wonder whether the reason why the Fool interacts only with the King is for he believes King Lear is the only person to understand and tolerate his insanity. And if that is true, does King Lear truly understand him?

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(15) If you could change places with one character in this act, who would it be and why? 

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(15) If you could change places with one character in this act, who would it be and why? 

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If I could to be any character in Act III of King Lear by William Shakespeare, I would chose the Fool because he diminishes the action and forbids the play to fall on a dramatic note. Through his charismatic and humorist way, the character acts as a fairy godfather, guiding King Lear to the ruthless truth. His funny and foolish nature disguises the wise words, any man of his age should withhold, and that is worth of appreciation. In my opinion, the Fool represents a figure of little contribution to the building blocks of the play, yet of a major significance to the development of the plot and the characters. Frankly speaking, I could find myself in his actions! Similar to me, he is always happy, unlike the circumstances. He knows how to find a positive light in the darkness of the given environment. Although he was seen as just a fool, he was much more than that and as proof he was the only one to see the truth.

The second reason for choosing the Fool is because i find him very similar to Feste in Twelfth Night. In grade 10, I was introduced to Feste, whose actions and way of being impacted me. When I met the Fool for the first time, I found a similarity between the two, and without noticing, I started to sympathize him.