I'm currently doing a project at college in which you pick a topic of your choice, research it and produce an essay and presentation on the subject. I chose to research the character of the fool in Shakespeare's plays and as part of the research process I am asking people with an interest in Shakespeare the following questions to gain some opinions and in turn a greater understanding of the fool's purpose, importance etc..
1. How does the depiction of the fool enhance the dramatization of the Shakespearean play?
2. Would you consider the fool as generally an important character, or a character that could be easily left out of the original text, with no detrimental affect?
3. Do you consider the fool's role as anything more than for comedic purposes?
4. Leading on from the previous question, if the fool's role is more than comedic, what do you believe are the different types of fool, and what purposes do they serve?
5. Have you seen any modern adaptations of Shakespearean plays which involve the fool, and if so, what was your opinion on their continued inclusion?
6. Conversely, have you seen any modern adaptations of Shakespearean plays which do not involve the fool, where the fool was included in the original text? If so, what was your opinion of this choice by the director?
I would be grateful is some people could answer the questions above; it will be interesting to hear different opinions on the matter! As this is part of my research, I would also quote your username and the message you have posted in my essay or presentation, so by replying you will be giving your consent that you are happy for me do this. If you are not comfortable with this, please do not reply. Thank you!