In the story of a king's treacherous demise caused by his unfaithful and scheming daughters, Shakespeare leaves little room for levity, laughter or even reason . The family turns on each other as sisters scheme out of jealousy, a truly devoted daughter is executed, and the king dies of despair. The kingdom is left in the novice hands of the surviving characters, and Shakespearean tragedy once again succeeds in achieving ultimate heartbreak and despair. However, upon examining the play, a seemingly insignificant character stands alone as a figure of comic relief and a voice of reason. The fool is the only predictor of this tragic fate and the only man to denounce the king's idiotic decisions. As a man with no social status and reputation to protect, he is free to advise Lear honestly, without living in fear of banishment or punishment. Shakespeare then incorporates the concept of a fool's wisdom into other characters throughout the play, creating a juxtaposition of all values ​​as reason and honor give way to greed. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay King Lear makes a mockery of himself by placing his kingdom in the incapable hands of his two scheming daughters. As king, his decision is supreme and anyone who questions his authority will be immediately reprimanded. As the Madman, however, his role is to make people laugh, so his view of the truth is permissible. He denounces the king's idiotic decision in a series of sarcastic jokes and truthful ironies. "When you split your crown in the middle and gave the two parts, you set your donkey on your back above the earth. You had little spirit in the bald crown, when they gave your crown gold." (1.4.155-159) His biting comments are not taken seriously by the king, but the reader sees the truth in his remarks, while other characters are either banished for their wisdom or tell the king what he wants to hear. The madman's sensitivity continues throughout the play until Lear's mental breakdown begins. The king gradually realizes the intrigues of his daughters, and the fool advises: “This gentleman who serves and seeks gain, and only follows for form, will pack his bags when it starts to rain and leave you in the storm. But I will wait. the fool will stay, and let the wise man escape. The valet goes mad and runs away; the fool is not a valet, perdy. (2.4.75-82). In a brilliant poem, he explains that the conventions of the world are no match for true loyalty, and that money and superficial gains should not be trusted. Even though Lear's daughters, who wanted nothing more than power and wealth, abandoned their father, the fool stands by the king even though he seeks no monetary gain. In one of the play's most famous acts, Lear was thrown into the storm with the madman. Lear laments his fate and the fool sympathizes, continuing to give advice in the form of rapid poems. He never leaves the king, but mysteriously disappears once the storm subsides. He always seems to have Lear's best interests at heart, never abandoning him despite his madness. The theme of the madman sets a very important tone throughout the play, as many characters recognize the ability of madness to alter destiny. Kent, Lear's faithful steward, attempts to advise the king but is met with rebuttal. "Honor is held to clarity, when majesty stoops to madness. Reverse your destiny and, in your best consideration, stop this hideous rashness." (1.1.149-152).