The purpose of this is to show Lear, not as he would wish to be portrayed, but as he really is. Lear, it has become important for us to know, can jest and chatter with a fool; the headstrong and imperious ruler can unbend, and fleet the time carelessly. It is good for us to see this side of Lear, and the effect of the scene on the stage is very powerful. Lear, who has hitherto been very much the monarch, becomes the man.?.
Even while Lear appears to laugh at and join in with the sharp wordplay of his Fool, something of their relationship between them begins to appear, which is later expressed in the Gentleman's reply to Kent as to who is with the King,.
None but the fool, who labours to out-jest.
his heart-struck injuries.
This provides a great insight into the significance of the Fool in this text. The essential focus of the play is on the spiritual, thedisturbance of the natural order?, and concerns the change that occurs in Lear, from an impetuous, cruel, demanding monarch, who is proud of his position and power, and demands an external show of affection from his daughters, to a humble, patient, wise old man, who seeks nothing but the love of his daughter, and resigns himself to the fact that he is buta foolish, fond old man?. The Fool is instrumental in this change, thrusting upon the King unwanted images of his own folly. .
When thou clovest thy crown I? th? middle and gav'st away both parts, thou bor'st thine ass on thy back o?er the dirt. Thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown when thou gav'st thy golden one away.
It is interesting to note lear's initial reaction to the Fool's wise observations. .
?Take heed, sirrah, the whip!?.?Truth's a dog must to kennel.?.
At first, Lear reacts with some resentment to this truth. However, as it is offered not as a rival to his own ideas, but as the disinterested observation of a mind that grasps neither for equality nor respect, it begins to have an impact upon the King's own mind.
