poetryincamelot:vaghar:Arthur: Where did you learn to juggle like that? Honestly, I didn't even know

poetryincamelot:vaghar:Arthur: Where did you learn to juggle like that? Honestly, I didn't even know you could catch. Merlin: Yes, well, I have many talents. You've failed to notice them, that's all.It’s really interesting that Arthur says he’d make him his court jester, because that’s the role that he keeps trying to force Merlin into throughout the show. Classically, the “fool” is the monarch’s wisest and most trusted adviser and is granted immunity from the consequences of saying something “offensive,” thereby freeing him to speak the truth without fear.In Merlin, Arthur finds someone who is not only extraordinarily dear but extraordinarily valuable: someone who is blessed with great wisdom and isn’t cowed by the power of rank. The thing is, some of Merlin’s opinions are inflammatory in a court that is likely conservative in its beliefs. Arthur’s general “prattish” behavior in making Merlin out to be a fool all the time is actually his way of keeping Merlin safe from his own habit of speaking thoughtlessly in a place where such behavior is not tolerated from anyone but royalty.I don’t believe Arthur is intentionally trying to belittle Merlin in making him out to be a fool—he’s trying to keep him safe (perhaps misguidedly). By loudly declaring that Merlin is just a fool to anyone who will listen, Arthur is ensuring that Merlin will be overlooked and that he will not be a target for harm. This way, Arthur has the benefit of hearing an honest opinion at all times, and if Merlin crosses a line, Arthur has an out so he doesn’t have to punish him.Unfortunately, Arthur kind of missed the memo that he wasn’t actually supposed to make Merlin feel like a useless idiot. Again, I don’t think that was purposely done, but as we all know, one of the most painful parts of the show is that Merlin takes Arthur’s teasing to heart and feels unappreciated for all that he does (and you really can’t blame him). Arthur’s desire to keep Merlin from harm, though well-intentioned, only serves to separate them more emotionally.Basically, I’m fascinated by the depth to which the concept of the “court jester” is explored in the show, as well as the fact that Arthur’s attempt in keeping Merlin from getting hurt was actually what ended up hurting him most in the end (and wow, here comes my masochism bubbling to the surface).Also, it just reminds me again that this whole show would have hurt so much less if these two dollopheads could just communicate with each other properly instead of always making assumptions. But when isn’t that the case? -- source link
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