Farce

Definition

Farce is a comic dramatic work that employs exaggerated and improbable situations, often featuring absurd characters and a fast-paced plot. It aims to provoke laughter through ridiculousness and slapstick humor, making it distinct from other forms of comedy due to its reliance on physical antics and ludicrous circumstances. The use of farce in theater, especially during the Victorian era, reflects societal norms and the complexities of human behavior in a lighthearted manner.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Farce became popular in the Victorian theater as audiences craved lighthearted entertainment amidst the societal changes of the time.
2. The structure of farce often includes mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and improbable coincidences that escalate into chaotic situations.
3. Key playwrights associated with Victorian farce include Ben Travers and Arthur Wing Pinero, who crafted works that combined wit with physical comedy.
4. Farce often serves as a critique of social norms and class distinctions, using humor to expose the absurdities of everyday life.
5. The influence of farce can be seen in modern comedic forms such as sitcoms and sketch comedies, which continue to utilize similar techniques of exaggeration and absurdity.

Review Questions

• How does farce use exaggerated situations to comment on societal norms during the Victorian era?
  • Farce employs exaggerated situations and absurd characters to provide a humorous critique of societal norms prevalent during the Victorian era. By highlighting the ridiculousness of social conventions through improbable scenarios, farce allows audiences to laugh at the constraints and expectations placed upon them. This comedic approach makes serious topics more palatable while still engaging the audience in a reflection on their own lives and society.
• In what ways did playwrights like Ben Travers incorporate elements of farce to engage Victorian audiences?
  • Playwrights such as Ben Travers utilized farcical elements by creating intricate plots filled with misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and rapid-fire dialogue. These devices kept audiences entertained and engaged while also allowing for commentary on class distinctions and social behaviors. The physical humor and absurd situations presented in Travers' plays resonated with viewers seeking escapism from the more serious aspects of their everyday lives.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Victorian farce on contemporary comedic genres such as sitcoms and sketch comedy.
  • Victorian farce has left a significant mark on contemporary comedic genres like sitcoms and sketch comedy through its use of exaggerated characters, absurd plots, and physical humor. Many modern comedies draw on these elements to create relatable yet over-the-top scenarios that reflect everyday life. This lineage demonstrates how the foundations laid by Victorian playwrights continue to influence comedic storytelling today, allowing new generations to connect with humor that transcends time.

Related terms

Slapstick: A style of humor that involves physical comedy, often through exaggerated actions and visual gags, typically seen in farcical performances.

Satire: A literary genre that uses humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or societal norms, which can often intersect with farcical elements.

Burlesque: A theatrical work that humorously exaggerates or parodies a subject, often blending elements of farce with satire and other comedic forms.