"It takes a wise man to make a fool."

Court jesters in Elizabethan and even medieval times were often sensible, sage advisors. Shakespeare illustrates this in his plays when he often endows his jester characters with the most wise advice in the entire piece.

Looking back historically, however, the idea that jesters were wise is not particularly novel, even in their times. A jester was "quite an important personage; enjoyed privileges, and was permitted liberties that were denied the greatest nobles" (Warde I).


Why were these jesters so privileged? It is simple, they were the closest friends of the monarchs they entertained. Not only were jesters meant to be entertainers, but also companions and professional playmates. Thus, jesters were privileged to mock others regardless of status or age because he possessed the most privileged position next to the monarch. This left jesters quite lonely in the court, for no one of nobility particularly liked them except for their employer, the monarch.

"To play such a part successfully required a man of more than ordinary wisdom. He could not be without learning. He must be a man of great observation, judgment, and understanding" (II-III).


Just a tidbit of information to connect you back to my thesis that Shakespeare effectually changed the role of "the fool," or the jester, in comedy, continuing the postmodern tradition today of an ironically wise and enlightened individual remarking on the foolishness of the socially privileged characters around him. I believe that this idea still continues because most society despised the jester and thought him foolish because he often humiliated them with his wit and clever banter.

Works Cited:

Warde, Frederick. The Fools of Shakespeare. 1. London: McBride, Nast & Company, 1913. I-III. Print.