Fools in King Lear
William Shakespeares play King Lear tells the tale of the main character who divides his kingdom between his older daughters, Goeneril and Regan, and disinherits his youngest daughter, Cordelia. ... King Lear can be viewed as a great illustration about the struggle between good and evil. Perhaps better than any of Shakespeares other tragedies, King Lear displays the concept of evil most strongly. It is believed that King Lear is an expansion of a British legend. The legend is as follows: Lear, King of Britain decided in his old age to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on their expressions of love for him. ... Enraged at his youngest daughters reply, Lear drove her into exile and divided the kingdom between his two eldest daughters. ... Hence, the king went in search of his youngest daughter. His youngest daughter had married the king of France while she was gone. ... Shakespeare added the character of the Fool as a tool in better understanding Lear. ... The Fools bitter jests ultimately show King Lear the folly of his action.