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GCSE English Literature · key term
A professional entertainer permitted to mock social superiors within the conventions of their role, although still dependent on their employers.
Used by Edexcel and Eduqas
Paper 1
Revise: FesteFeste belongs to the tradition of the licensed fool, whose entertaining role permits criticism that would be dangerous from another servant. That freedom is conditional, however. When he first appears in Act 1 Scene 5, Maria warns that his unexplained absence could cost him his employment.
Component 1
A professional entertainer permitted to mock and criticise social superiors within the accepted role of a fool.
Part (b): connect context to a specific point: the licensed fool explains his challenge to Olivia, while his theatrical role helps explain the closing address to the audience. This part assesses AO1 (15 marks) and AO3 (5 marks), not AO2.
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Feste belongs to the tradition of the licensed fool, an entertainer allowed unusual freedom to criticise social superiors. Yet this freedom depends on pleasing his employers. At his first appearance, Maria warns that his unexplained absence could cost him his position.
