Shakespeare’s tragedy “King Lear” is renowned for its complex characters and thought-provoking themes. One such character that stands out is the Fool, who serves as both a witty entertainer and a voice of reason throughout the play. With his clever wordplay and insightful observations, the Fool offers a unique perspective on the events unfolding in the kingdom of Lear. In this article, we dive into some of the most memorable fool quotes from “King Lear.”
Read these fool quotes King Lear:
1. “Have more than thou showest, speak less than thou knowest.”
The Fool reminds us that true wisdom lies in keeping one’s thoughts to oneself and not revealing everything to the world.
2. “Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst been wise.”
Here, the Fool chastises King Lear for his lack of wisdom, implying that age alone does not guarantee wisdom.
3. “This cold night will turn us all to fools and madmen.”
The Fool’s words foreshadow the chaos and madness that will soon consume the characters and the kingdom.
4. “Better a witty fool than a foolish wit.”
The Fool suggests that it is better to possess wit and humor, even if it means being seen as a fool, rather than being a foolish person with no redeeming qualities.
5. “Thou madest thy daughters thy mothers; for when thou gavest them the rod, and puttest down thine own breeches.”
The Fool cleverly points out the irony of King Lear’s actions, implying that Lear’s daughters have taken on the role of his mothers by exerting control over him.
6. “I had rather be any kind of thing than a fool, and yet I would not be thee, nuncle.”
The Fool humorously expresses that he would rather be anything other than a fool, but he still considers himself superior to King Lear.
7. “Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst been wise.”
The Fool chastises Lear once again, emphasizing the importance of wisdom before old age.
8. “A bitter fool!”
The Fool comments on the bitterness that accompanies foolishness, indicating the negative consequences of lacking wisdom.
9. “Truth’s a dog must to kennel; he must be whipped out when the Lady Brach may stand by the fire and stink.”
The Fool cleverly uses the metaphor of a dog to illustrate how truth is often hidden away while people prefer to enjoy the comforts of deception.
10. “The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long, that it had its head bit off by its young.”
Through this analogy, the Fool suggests that excessive generosity can lead to betrayal and harm.
11. “The reason why the seven stars are no more than seven is a pretty reason.”
The Fool playfully mocks the notion of having a reason for everything, implying that some things simply are without explanation.
12. “I am better than thou art now. I am a fool, thou art nothing.”
The Fool asserts his superiority over King Lear, highlighting how foolishness can sometimes be more valuable than nothingness.
13. “Now thou art an O without a figure. I am better than thou art now. I am a fool, thou art nothing.”
The Fool again emphasizes Lear’s insignificance compared to himself, using wordplay to drive his point home.
14. “He’s mad that trusts in the tameness of a wolf, a horse’s health, a boy’s love, or a whore’s oath.”
The Fool warns against blindly trusting unreliable and untrustworthy individuals or things.
15. “Thou art a soul in bliss, but I am bound upon a wheel of fire.”
The Fool expresses his perception that he, despite being a fool, is freer and happier than King Lear, who is trapped in his own inner turmoil.
16. “The fool might have been my guide in excess of wisdom.”
The Fool suggests that at times, it is wiser to follow the guidance of a fool rather than relying solely on one’s own wisdom.
17. “Thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown when thou gavest thy golden one away.”
The Fool humorously comments on Lear’s foolish decision to divide his kingdom, implying that he lost his wisdom when he gave away his crown.
18. “If thou wert my fool, nuncle, I’d have thee beaten for being old before thy time.”
The Fool jests about Lear’s premature aging, suggesting that he has become old before his time due to his lack of wisdom.
19. “A knave, a rascal, an eater of broken meats; a base, proud, shallow, beggarly, three-suited, hundred-pound, filthy, worsted-stocking knave; a lily-livered, action-taking knave.”
The Fool mercilessly insults Oswald, Goneril’s steward, highlighting his deceitful and despicable nature.
20. “And I’ll go to bed at noon.”
The Fool playfully suggests that he will defy societal norms and do as he pleases, further emphasizing his freedom as a fool.
These fool quotes from “King Lear” showcase the Fool’s wit, wisdom, and ability to shed light on the characters’ flaws and the tragic events unfolding in the play. Shakespeare masterfully uses the Fool as a voice of truth amidst the chaos, making him one of the most memorable characters in the world of literature.
