Pastushuk H. Genesis and evolution of the fool image in English literature of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance

The thesis is the first in literary studies comprehensive research of the fool image in the 12th-16th сentury English literature. Works of various genres have been analyzed to trace the evolution of literary fool in English literature till early 17th century. It is proved that at different stages of development of the "Shakespearean fool" the characters share the same constituent features, i.e. market vernacular language, play of time and space, and subversive attitude towards the main characters. Complex analysis of the selected works, though, reveals four evolutional phases of the fool image within the thesis chronologic framework. It is proved that theatrical and literary activity of the "Globe" theatre comic actors, especially R. Armin, was crucial to the formation of fool images in W. Shakespeare's plays. The famous comedian's professional interest in the nature of human insanity, idiocy, folly and fooling reflected in his works, and the peculiarities of Armin's stage talent inspired W. Shakespeare to newly replay one of the most fruitful motives of the medieval dramatic tradition - that of presenting human and social vice under the masque of fool's folly.