The fool was the most foolish character in the play 'King Lear'

The statement has been made that the fool was the most foolish of characters in the Shakespearean play 'King Lear'. The topic has brought about some amount of controversy as to whether or not it was true. Having knowledge of the definition of 'foolish' according to the Oxford Pocket Dictionary; lacking good sense or judgement, unwise; and 'most'; as the largest amount, the stance of disapproval to the topic was assumed. Rephrased, the topic states: the fool was the character which had the largest of amount of lacking good sense, judgment or wisdom. The are many points which can challenge this claim.
Firstly to note was his constant speeches to the king where he highlighted the king's poor decisions. The fool was a consistent character who from his entrance to exit, was bold and daring in pointing out to the King what he did that was wrong. Professor Bradley says 'he acts as the soul of outer consciousness for the king.' Consciousness is defined as awareness and knowing, with this description of the fool, he cannot still be associated with the adjective 'foolish'. As the audience progresses with the play, they can decipher his parables to realize that his is the voice of reason. 'I have used it nuncle, e'er since thou mad'st the daughters...such a King should play bo-beep'(1:4) He speaks truth and honesty but they are based on his judgment of the predicament. With this being so, then it challenges the claim that the fool has a lack of judgment.
Secondly, in the speeches that he makes, he represents his points metaphorically, vibrantly and creatively. Making use of his position to the King was an admirable task. How he used his position of 'base' to his advantage to bring about a consciousness in the king is one which requires great tact. he demonstrates an impact upon the King which goes way beyond his status. He causes the King to think seriously into his words as they are so constant and blunt. He demonstrates a lot of wisdom in the the points that me makes as well as the way they are brought across. He, for example will tell the King of his foolishness, then make statements like 'but no one will listen to a fool' or speak on the fact that he would be whipped for 'honesty'. This actually manipulates the King into taking him seriously as well as the ability in all of his speeches to get away because of their thin veil of humour. For example; 'If I gave them all my living, I'ld keep my coxcombs myself, there's mine, beg another of thy daughters.'(1:4) 'Prithee tell him... he will not believe a fool.' (1:4) This challenges the claim that he was lacking sense.
Thirdly, the fool demonstrates great wisdom. This is proven in his ability to prophesy. In his entrance dialogue, the fool states 'why this fellow has banish'd...against his will' (1:4) Indicating that the king was not even conscious of what he had done and the chaos that would be brought about in the Kingdom, so much so that it would have been better to leave the kingdom as he caused Cordelia to. This claim became truth because a great chaos did indeed fall upon the land. Another prediction made by the fool was in scene5 of act 1: 'She will taste as like this, as a crab does to a crab.' Indicating to the King that the same predicament he suffered with Goneril would be repeated with Regan. The confidence with which he deliberates his opinions and the truth that is reflected in them are reflections of great wisdom, the fool can therefore not be unwise.
Lastly, the word 'most' suggests largest amount. Therefore, a comparison was made between the fool and the King. Interestingly enough, the first note made was the decision where King Lear went against the natural order of things, placing his kingdom in the hands of his two young daughters based solely upon the ability of flattery. He banished a daughter whom he love and cherished beyond all others because of his pride and unnecessary desire at flattery. He was irrational and quick tempered in dealing with his subjects, he banished his adviser, Kent, for pointing out the truth. On the contrary, the fool challenges the decisions of the king, reasons and makes his opinions and prophecies. On a figurative, scale it would appear the King is more foolish than the fool, if this is so, the claim that the fool is the most foolish can be refuted solely from the use of the word 'most', suggesting largest amount.
In concluding, a reiteration of the point of this essay would not have been justifiably done without an interesting quotation from a fellow character, Goneril, 'I would you would make use of your good wisdom.' (1:4) Here, Goneril unconsciously reveals that the fool says words of wisdom and because they jeopardize what she attempts to do and can manipulate the king's mindset out of her favour. Her statement there confirms that the fool has wisdom. Based on the evidence given above, the fool did not have a lack of good judgment and sense nor was he unwise. Therefore, according to the Oxford definition, he was not foolish. Outside of that, compared to other characters within the same play, King Lear, for one, was more foolish, therefore a claim to be the 'most foolish' is, in my mind, strongly refuted.