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GCSE English Literature · key term
A character who appears foolish, or performs foolishness, while revealing insight that supposedly wiser characters lack.
Used by Edexcel and Eduqas
Paper 1
Revise: FesteShakespeare presents him as a wise fool. His occupation makes him appear ridiculous, but his intelligence exposes the absurdity of people with greater social power. His role develops less through a personal transformation than through the different uses of his talent: first he challenges Olivia’s mourning, then comments on love and language, later torments Malvolio, and finally addresses the audience alone.
Component 1
A character whose apparent foolishness conceals intelligence and insight into other people’s behaviour.
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The dramatic irony is important: the audience understands the twins’ identities while the wise fool confidently gets them wrong.
