Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part A (2023)

This research paper aims to deconstruct the character of the fool in Shakespeare's plays, Twelfth Night, King Lear, and As You Like It. The author argues that the fool is not just a comical character but serves a greater purpose in the play by offering commentary on the actions of the main characters, challenging social norms, and providing a voice for the oppressed. The paper employs Jacques Derrida's deconstructionist approach to analyze the language and actions of the fool and how they reveal deeper meanings in the plays. Through close readings of the text, the author uncovers the ways in which the fool subverts traditional power structures and challenges the authority of the ruling class. The paper also explores the relationship between the fool and the main characters and how their interactions reveal the underlying themes of the plays. Overall, this research paper provides a fresh perspective on the role of the fool in Shakespeare's works and highlights the significance of their contribution to the overall meaning of the plays.