The characters within William Shakespeare’s plays frequently include individuals categorized as “fools,” who can be differentiated based on their inherent nature. One classification is the natural simpleton, an individual lacking in intellect from birth. These characters often provide unwitting commentary or inadvertently reveal truths through their naivety. Their actions and words are not driven by cunning or malice but stem from a fundamental lack of understanding of the world around them.
Such figures serve a multitude of dramatic purposes. They can offer comic relief, providing respite from the play’s heavier themes. Furthermore, their simple pronouncements often expose the hypocrisy or folly of more powerful characters, thereby acting as a subtle form of social commentary. Historically, the presence of individuals with intellectual disabilities in the courts and households of the aristocracy allowed for a certain degree of candor, as their words were often dismissed or overlooked. This historical context informs the portrayal and function of these characters in Shakespearean drama.
