HUMA 1780 Lecture Notes - Sacred Clowns, Wise Fool, Heyoka
Document Summary
Stories in diverse media (ap huma 1780b) wednesday. No class next week, homework: leguin left hand of darkness: take notes on your experience of reading (possible test question). Art readings: two articles in course kit (image media) Comedians are mainly entertainers who provide comic relief. They are not always fools; and fools are not always entertainers. Test question: say some characteristics of the fool and relate them to readings. Seem to be unintelligent (simpleton) and may be pitied (good hearted) May be given free rein in society (not punished) important point. Origins of this kind of theatre: from exchange of banter between people and procession and onlookers. Not all as respected as tragic theatre. Official permission to speak freely and even criticize. Not same as foolish wise: sometimes geniuses act eccentrically. Wise fool tradition: natural fools (not paid): has a certain divine wisdom that has not been learned: example.
