Brian Kim
Falstaff and Feste as the Fools
The role of a fool or court jester occurs frequently in Shakespeare’s works. These
characters possess a sharp wit to manipulate words and the ability to create humor out of
the absurd nature of humans. They can function to satirize society or simply to give the
audience a chance to catch their breath in between scenes of great tension. Although
minor characters often occupy these roles, in the case of 1 Henry IV and Twelfth Night,
they receive a fair amount of stage time. In the first part of Henry IV, Falstaff (though he
would surely object to the insinuation) fills the part of the fool. In Twelfth Night, Feste,
Olivia’s jester, obviously takes the same role. However, even though the two characters
function in the same manner, Falstaff faces ridicule from his peers while Feste remains in
their good graces.
Throughout the first part of Henry IV, Falstaff provides comic relief. As Roy
Battenhouse believes, “there [is] evidence aplenty throughout the Henry IV plays that
Falstaff’s real genius is as artist [and as] entertainer” (33). When the audience first meets
Falstaff, he admits to being a thief. Yet, this profession does not weigh heavily on his
conscience, for, “’tis [his] vocation… ’Tis no sin for a man to labor in his vocation”
(1.2.101-2). Later, in act 2, when Gadshill enters to rob the fat man, he orders Falstaff to
“Stand!” or to freeze, not to move (2.2.47). Falstaff, who, in a prank by Poins, cannot
find his horse, admits, “So I do, against my will” (2.2.48). This type of word play is
emblematic of a witty fool.
After the comical situation wherein Hal and Poins anonymously steal the money
Falstaff has stolen from the travelers, Falstaff constructs an elaborate lie for Hal,
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explaining how he lost the money to a gang of bandits. He begins by saying he fought
“with a dozen” of the rogues, then “sixteen at least,” which then compounds to “fifty of
them” (2.4.162-184). Falstaff’s...