Madness distorts reality, but also reveals truth through wisdom. It is evident through Shakespeare's characterization of the Fool, King Lear, and Edgar in the play King Lear. The Fool provides insight through mad blabber. In a state of confusion King Lear is taught wisdom. Edgar's feigning lunacy creates reason from more madness.
The wise Fool disregarded at first, serves as a misunderstood guide to the characters, foreshadowing the oncoming events in King Lear. He warns that a man should not be susceptible in a world of dishonesty, with a disregard to Christian ethics in exchange for a stronger interest in worldly possessions (Lowers 39). Betrayal and greed will become the focus of evil as they will acquire power and land by deceit. The susceptible good side will remain in the dark and blind to the unforeseen injustice that is foreshadowed by King Lear's response that "nothing can be made of nothing" (Kin. 1.4.55) when the fool asks what could be made of nothing.......

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Title: Madness In King Lear
Approximate Word Count: 1105
Approximate Pages: 5 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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