Dramatic Significance of the fool

In King Lear the fool in the play is the most funniest and smartest character. He seemed to lift the atmosphere in the room by adding humor in other people's eyes. He was the only one who could ridicule the King and not be punished. He would make comments and because he was the fool he would not be taken seriously and he would in fact be talking the truth. Also when he suggests things that are very useful in situations he doesnt take the hints or advice and passes over everyone including the King the most. For example, in Act 1 scene 5, fool:Canst tell how an oyster makes his shell? King: No. Fool: Nor I neither; but I can tell why a snail has a house. King: Why? Fool: Why to put's head in, not to give it away to his daughters, and leave his horns without a case. Meaning a snail has a shell for a reason for his home and he does not give it away to his daughters, because after he gives it away he will have no home for himself after. But his words of advice are not used. And because he is not taken seriously persons around him will start to suffer.