The play is filled to the brim with misunderstandings, mix-ups, and miscommunications that contribute to an overall feeling of confusion and madness. However, the fool character in the play manages to use language in order to remain removed from the mess. In Twelfth Night, the fool continually challenges the reader and fellow characters to re-conceptualize their definition of what a fool. Calling himself a “corrupter of words,” (1944, line 31) he proves throughout the play that being the fool may be one of the smartest moves one can make.
In scene I act V, the fool engages in some “good fooling” (1924, line 29) with Olivia in an attempt to regain a position on her good side. While their conversation is quick-witted and entertaining, it also nuances some deep concepts regarding the true definition of ‘fool’. When Olivia orders for the guards to take the fool away because he is “dry” (1925, line 35), he is able to finagle his way out of the situation through using clever language. By choosing to interpret ‘dry’ to mean being thirsty, the fool is able to switch the subject and remain in Olivia’s presence.
Furthermore, during this scene, he goes so far as to prove that Olivia is a fool. Due to her status and portrayed disposition, the reader would never consider her as anything but regal and intelligent. However, once she begins engaging in some banter with the fool, her true foolish nature is revealed. While this behavior is typically unflattering and calls for immediate reprimanding, the fool is able to get away from the situation scratch-free.
This being said, looking at the way in which the fool uses his mastery of language to avoid tricky situations or successfully manipulate others; do you think it is correct to call him a fool?
I think calling Feste the ‘fool’ is meant to be ironic because it brings to light the issue of intelligence and sanity. Feste is thought to be lower than most of the characters in the show, and yet he seems to be the most insightful. It’s clear that the respect that Feste is due for his quick wit is discounted, and that means to show that being smart does not always get you success. In fact, I think it also proves that ignorance truly can mean bliss, because having all of the knowledge that Feste does seems to make him more melancholy than anything. He involves himself in the affairs of others because nothing in his life can bring him entertainment the way entertaining these people does. It’s incorrect to call him a fool, but everybody in the play only sees a man who enjoys being foolish, so what else are they supposed to call him?
I think that the very idea that Feste is the “fool’, and is considered to be of a lower class than many of the other characters, especially in Olivia’s case, but I think that that is what gives him the license to say whatever might what to in that moment. It is a classic trope in many of Shakespeare’s work; the lowly fool who’s own lowly class and status is actually their benefit, as they work to bridge the gap between audience, and situation. An argument could also be made for characters such as Speed from Two Gentlemen of Verona, and the Fool from King Lear to a certain extent. This is a concept that Feste himself even eludes to when in Act I, Scene V, Line 307, he says, “Well, God give them wisdom that have it; and those that are fools, let them use their talents.” That being said, in practical terms, Feste is anything but a fool, but in Shakespearian terms, he absolutely is.