During the Elizabethan era, it was common for monarchs to keep fools (what we now call jesters) at courts as a source of entertainment. While the fool's presence is often one of whimsy, it was he alone who could criticize the monarch, through jokes and witticisms, without fear of punishment. Likewise, Shakespeare often uses the character of the wise fool to counsel and bring forth words of insight to the events and characters of his plays. Fools of the court wore clothing called "motley," patches of cloth sewn together to make one large garment. In Serena by Ron Rash, Snipes can be seen as a fool character. For a peripheral character, Rash pays quite a bit of attention to Snipes, and Snipes has a great deal of dialogue.

Write a 750 word essay that discusses the significance of Snipes' role as the wise fool in Serena. What comparison can be made between Snipes and the fool in his appearance and his function in the novel? How does Snipes bring forth words of wisdom to the loggers in his criticism of the Pemberton's, especially of Serena?

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