The Shakespearean fool is a recurring character type in the works of William Shakespeare. They are usually clever peasants or commoners who use their wits to outdo people of higher social standing. In this sense, they are similar to the real fools, and jesters of the time, but their characteristics are greatly heightened for theatrical effect.
First Appearance Historia regum Britanniae (c. 1136) by Geoffrey of Monmouth
First Publisher Nathaniel Butter
Appearance List M. William Shak-speare: His True Chronicle Historie of the life and death of King Lear… (1608) by William Shakespeare — first printed edition (Quarto 1); Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies (1623) by William Shakespeare — First Folio printing includes King Lear (the Folio version differs substantially from Q1); The History of King Lear (1681) by Nahum Tate — influential Restoration adaptation (famously alters the ending), published as performed at the Duke’s Theatre; A Midsummer Night’s Dream: and Other Stories by E. Nesbit (1890) (A midsummer night’s dream.–Hamlet, prince of Denmark.–Twelfth night.–King Lear) [Internet Archive]; King Lear (1971) directed by Peter Brook; King Lear (1971) directed by Grigori Kozintsev; Lear (1978) by Aribert Reimann — opera adaptation (libretto by Claus H. Henneberg; premiered 1978 in Munich).
Sample Read Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies [Internet Archive]
Description The Shakespearean fool is a recurring character type in the works of William Shakespeare. They are usually clever peasants or commoners who use their wits to outdo people of higher social standing. In this sense, they are similar to the real fools, and jesters of the time, but their characteristics are greatly heightened for theatrical effect.
Dicks’ Complete Edition of Shakspere’s Works / With Thirty-Seven Illustrations and A Memoir (1864) via Victorian Illustrated Shakespeare Archive | Unknown
