Jesters Research Paper

Jesters are also referred to as a clown, buffoon, or a fool. They often used humor to jibe(making insults or mocking remarks), mock and joke about the lords, ladies and other members of nobility of the court and jesters were one such person who could freely speak his or her mind out without worrying about the consequences. They were provided with specific privileges which were not offered to many other people of the court. They were the only ones who could speak and criticize without worrying about the consequences. They were also not afraid to offence by telling what they thought.
They were considered very powerful and had significant powers. They were more powerful than other people of the court besides the king and queen. They also played a role to prevent over-oppression due to the political affairs and they also helped the members of the nobility to rule well. In many cases, the kings, queens, and confidants(a person with whom one
shares a secret or private matter) all used to have their personal jesters who often developed close relations and friendship with them. As a result, some jesters had gained significant political position during the medieval period.
Most jesters were well educated and they used to come from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Gradually, the clothes and costume of jesters appointed in courts became gaudier with bright colors and humorous attire. Jesters used to keep their heads shaved while their coats were used to be motley and they used tight breeches. Later on, they started wearing a hat which was also known as a Fool’s hat. The jesters which were appointed in courts also used to carry a mock scepter which used to be known as a bauble.
Most of the European royal courts of the medieval period appointed jesters to perform during celebrations and palace parties. They certainly played a role that brightened up the entertainment for the court and the courtiers. They had to amuse their masters and to excite them to pay more concentration about their duties.
During this time period women had little or no privileges and they were often considered property of their husbands. Some women succeeded in becoming jesters and they used to accompany the queen of royal
courts.
They had one specific task and that was to ease down the tensions of the king, of noble and to bring smile on his face whenever he felt tensed, worried, angry or ill. They often used tricks and jokes and also used satire to achieve this task. These jesters who got work of entertaining the king and his court were considered highly respectable and powerful and they had influence over the medieval society.