In the story of a king's treacherous death at the hands of his unfaithful and scheming daughters, Shakespeare leaves little room for light-heartedness, laughter, or even reason. Families turn on each other as sisters plot out of jealousy, a truly devoted daughter is executed, and the king dies of despair. The kingdom is left in the inexperienced hands of the surviving characters, and Shakespearean tragedy once again manages to reach the maximum of pain and desperation. In reviewing the play, however, a seemingly insignificant character stands out as a figure of comic relief and voice of reason. The fool is the only predictor of this tragic fate and is the only man who denounces the king's idiotic decisions. As a man with no social standing and no reputation to uphold, he is free to sincerely advise Lear, without living in fear of exile or retribution. Shakespeare then incorporates the concept of the fool's wisdom into other characters in the play, creating a juxtaposition of all values ​​as reason and honor give way to greed. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay King Lear makes a fool of himself by placing his kingdom in the inept hands of his two scheming daughters. As king, his decision is supreme and anyone who questions his authority will be immediately reprimanded. As the Fool, however, his job is to be mocked, so his visions of the truth are permissible. He denounces the king's idiotic decision with a series of sarcastic jokes and sincere ironies. "When you cut your crown in the middle, and gave away both parts, you carried your ass on your back to the earth. You had little spirit in the bald crown, when they gave away your golden one." (1.4.155-159) His cutting comments are not taken seriously by the king, but the reader sees the truth in his observations, while other characters are banished for their wisdom or telling the king what he wants to hear. The fool's sensitivity continues throughout the play until the onset of Lear's mental collapse. The king is gradually becoming aware of his daughters' plots, and the fool advises: "That lord who serves and seeks gain, and follows only form, will pack his bags when it begins to rain and leave you in the storm. But I will remain ; the fool will remain, and let the wise man fly. The scoundrel becomes foolish if he flees; (2.4.75-82) he must trust in money and superficial gains. If Lear's daughters, who wanted nothing more than power and wealth, have abandoned their father, the fool remains at the king's side since he does not seek any monetary gain famous in the play, Lear is thrown into the storm along with the fool. Lear laments his fate and the fool sympathizes, continuing to dispense advice in the form of short poems, but disappears mysteriously after the storm has passed calmed down. He always seems to have Lear's interests at heart, never abandoning him despite his madness. The theme of the fool sets a very significant tone throughout the play, as many characters recognize the ability of madness to alter destiny. Lear's faithful steward, Kent, attempts to advise the king, but is met with a rebuttal. "Honor is bound to simplicity, when majesty bends to madness. Reverse your destiny, and, in your best consideration, control this horrible recklessness." (1.1.149-152) The reader sees that power does not equal wisdom, and even the highest men can.