There have been many studies done regarding the apparent contradiction of people suffering from clinical depression and those who always appear to be laughing, joking, happy and cheerful. This is well portrayed in Shakespeare's (or Bacon's) Fool, Malvolio's, stockings. He dressed as the fool and acted as much of a fool as narcissists do. He was ridiculed by all and sundry for being a pompous ass and did not come out of the play as a hero as most playhouse fools in medieval England did.
The 'fool' Malvolio is probably the most indicative of comedians today who suffer various forms of depression. Medieval fools were generally far more intelligent than the people for whom they played the fool, yet at the same time, they were probably amongst the most sensitive. That means that their intelligence became such a burden that their brains couldn't handle it well and depression set in. The following extract from the article Fools and Intelligence is an excellent symbology for comedians of today if they could drag themselves out of the political arena. "...rather than being a rebellious political figure the fool is grounded in traditional societies to remind people of their acceptance and need for their everyday life structures--he is a reality maintenance construct. Fools do not possess values, norms, and meanings of their own worldview; they attach themselves to existing worldviews and turn them upside-down, inside-out or backwards."
The 'fool' Malvolio is probably the most indicative of comedians today who suffer various forms of depression. Medieval fools were generally far more intelligent than the people for whom they played the fool, yet at the same time, they were probably amongst the most sensitive. That means that their intelligence became such a burden that their brains couldn't handle it well and depression set in. The following extract from the article Fools and Intelligence is an excellent symbology for comedians of today if they could drag themselves out of the political arena. "...rather than being a rebellious political figure the fool is grounded in traditional societies to remind people of their acceptance and need for their everyday life structures--he is a reality maintenance construct. Fools do not possess values, norms, and meanings of their own worldview; they attach themselves to existing worldviews and turn them upside-down, inside-out or backwards."
Fools (comedians) "represent the age-old dichotomy between what
"is," (Nature--the natural or congenital fool ) and what
"seems," (Art--the artificial fool or artful jester)."
JUXTAPOSITION
Malvolio
I love you so
You taught the world
Such truth
The loudest laughs
The brightest smiles
Are worn by those
Who hurt the worst
Yet for all that
The earth is still
flat
And people still
Do not understand
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| Malvolio
Welle Design Modelled by Andy
Moss Hand Made and Hand Painted by Peggy Davies Ceramics
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| Happy vs Funny (Source: Linked picture) |
It is very true. Even today, when it's more widely accepted to speak of depression, it's a difficult thing to admit to. Especially if you've created a persona of being "strong" or "happy".
ReplyDeleteI totally agree - most people with depression put a brave face on and hide it so well only those closest to them would know anything was wrong
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Those who have been hurt deeply and often want others to avoid what they experience. The Fool is showing his love for all (his heart) by making them laugh so they never have to face his monster. Thank you for this post. - Erin http://www.erinpenn.com/blog/
ReplyDeleteRed - https://www.blogger.com/profile/06870283055927616591
ReplyDeleteRandom Musings - https://www.blogger.com/profile/05298522848171348845
Erin Penn - https://www.blogger.com/profile/00154246315810080768
Thank you for the visit as well as your understanding and sensitive comments.
I have visited you but haven't figured out how to follow you all yet. Very frustrating.
Warm regards
Felicity