If you were a director would you remove or keep the Fool? How necessary is the Fool in King Lear?

Question

King Lear

If you were a director would you remove or keep the Fool? How necessary is the Fool in King Lear?

Some directors argue that the character of the Fool adds nothing to the essence of the play and could easily be cut without damaging the overall impact.

To what extent could you justify such an argument? If you agree, how would you make the transitions in order to exclude the Fool? If you disagree, what would be your arguments for leaving the play as it is?

How can I support the idea of leaving the play as it is?

I already have some points of how important the fool is, as he helps the King realize what is actually happening around him.

I'm also interested in seeing the opinions of people who agree that the Fool should be removed.

Asked by Just a Student on 1/4/2022 1:25 AM

Last updated by Aslan on 1/4/2022 6:55 AM

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Answered by Aslan on 1/4/2022 5:28 AM

I think the Fool is crucial to the play. The hired court Fool, he attends Lear regularly and points out the truths which are missed or ignored. Upset by Cordelia's banishment, he ridicules Lear for being foolish enough to banish the good daughter and trust the evil ones. He further mocks his decision to give up his authority so fully. Once Lear goes mad, the Fool seems incredibly sane, making Lear remain dressed and playing along with his ideas of a trial versus Goneril and Regan. The irony is that the fool sees far more than Lear sees.

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