INDIVIDUAL PART OF THE FIRST COLLECTIVE PAPER

Fools and Clowns

Another pattern that we can find in Shakespeare’s comedies is the fools and clowns. These are characters that have contributed to the greatness of Shakespearean comedy. Usually, they are considered as humorous characters that make people laugh, create a comic relief and even they have been as silly persons. But there is more than that in these characters, they are more complex that it apparently seems. They are observant, intelligent, they have more inside than just jokes. But, in order to see that we, as spectators, have to do an effort. In relation to these characters it is also important their use of language, since depending on it they can cause an effect or another.

These characters, especially fools, are very useful since they guide us through the play; moreover they also act as commentators on the behaviour of the main characters, and always tell the truth but they are hardly ever believed. They are essential in Shakespearean plays since they are necessary for the audience thanks to their humanity.

The first false impression these characters give us is that they have any function, or that they only act to entertain the audience. They have a very high contribution in the action of the play, above all, in forming the humour and confusion. We have to notice that in Twefth Night fools are who control the comedy and humour in the play, and they can guide us trough the play.

Conclusion: We have seen that there are other important characters that appear in Shakespeare’s plays, which are fools and clowns. As we have observed they help to the development of the play and they serve as entertainers.

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