In Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, the function of Feste the clown appears insignificant, but in reality his role has immense significance in the overall development of the play and other characters. The clown is used as an independent observer that exploits the foolish actions and faults of others. Throughout the epic play, we observe how Feste's true humor along with the foolishness of other individuals becomes the focal contribution of his role to the insight of the play.
It is during his conversation with Maria that Shakespeare introduces him, unveiling the fools purpose and role to the play:
Wit, an’t be thy will, put me in good fool-
ing! Those wits that think they have thee do very oft prove
fools, and I that am sure lack thee may pass for a wise
man. For what says Quinapalus? – “Better a witty fool than a foolish wit.”(1.5.29-33)
These lines indicate that Feste's presence is not just comic relief through silly acts, but they highlight that the role of......
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Approximate Word Count: 555
Approximate Pages: 3 (260 words per double-spaced page) |