The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 17.0437  Thursday, 11 May 2006

From: 		Noel Sloboda <
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Date: 		Wednesday, 10 May 2006 22:33:00 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: 	What happens to the Fool in _Lear_?

Greetings,

Please lend me insight into what is commonly thought to happen to the 
Fool in _Lear_ after III.vi.  I recognize that the Fool doubling as 
Cordelia might explain why the Fool needs to disappear.  But in relation 
to the plot of the play, where (and why) does the Fool go?  These 
questions perplex me, especially if Lear's "My poor fool is hanged" 
refers not just to Cordelia but to the Fool.  How could he/why would he 
have ended up hung?  Is there any critical consensus?  Dramatic tradition?

Thank you for your assistance.

- Noel Sloboda

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