A Study of the Fool as a 'Wise Fool' and 'Healer' in King Lear

Fools usually make people laugh through their comic appearances and foolish behaviors. A fool in King Lear also gives us pleasure by his unique jokes and humors, however, he is not so foolish. He is very wise and has the intuition to penetrate people’s mind and understands the facts. He predicts the future, criticizes the untrueness and heals the wounded mind. He always keeps Lear company and makes him realize his own foolishness. After getting out of his own suffering and fear, Lear experiences his healing process of purification with the help of the fool. In this respect, the fool in King Lear is a wise helper and healer for King Lear.