A Clown In King Henry's Court

Paper Summary:

This paper is a brief analysis of how Shakespeare uses Falstaff for comedic relief. It analyzes the character of the clown and his role as related to the rest play's characters.

From the Paper:

"It is often assumed that royal kingdoms have their own jesters to provide entertainment for the royal family. Part of this assumption stems from such things as literary works. In Shakespeare's King Henry IV Part 1 and King Henry IV Part 2, there also exists such a jester, a clown if you will, that is one of Shakespeare's most enduring comic creations. So enduring is this character that Shakespeare even brought him back from death in another play simply for his comic relief. John Falstaff is a stand-up comic, and like any comic, he depends on his writer to achieve their wanted effect. Shakespeare, as Falstaff's writer, achieves his comic relief through his subject, who then imparts it upon his royal friends."

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