This scene is of course famous for the way that the
enraged Lear wanders around the heath during the tempestuous storm. We already begin to
see signs of Lear's madness as he addresses the storm itself, finding a fitting parallel
in its fury with his own emotions. However, it is the Fool that oddly tries to make his
master see reason, and shows himself to be immensely wise in his suggestion. Note what
he says to Lear:
O nuncle, court holy water in a dry house is
better than this rainwater out o'door. Good nuncle, in, ask thy daughters blessing.
Here's a night pities neither wise men nor
fools.
The Fool thus is oddly
shown to be the wiser of the two characters. He recognises that the storm makes it
dangerous for them to be outside, and so he urges Lear to seek the blessing and
forgiveness of his daughters, humbling himself before them, so at least they can enjoy
the benefits of a "dry house." However, it is King Lear who rejects his fool's wise
advice and clings on to his anger and rage. Thus, there is great truth in what the Fool
says in this scene.
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