Farce

Definition

Farce is a comedic style that emphasizes exaggerated and improbable situations, often featuring ridiculous characters and absurd events. It aims to entertain through humor derived from misunderstanding, mistaken identity, and outrageous circumstances. This style is particularly relevant in Restoration comedy, where it highlights the era's themes of social satire and the complexities of human relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Farce became a defining characteristic of Restoration comedy, with playwrights using its techniques to critique societal norms and behaviors.
2. The use of mistaken identity is a common trope in farce, leading to humorous misunderstandings that drive the plot.
3. Farce often includes rapid-fire dialogue and physical comedy, contributing to a fast-paced and lively theatrical experience.
4. William Wycherley’s play 'The Country Wife' showcases elements of farce through its outrageous scenarios and sexual innuendos.
5. George Etherege’s 'The Man of Mode' also incorporates farcical elements, blending wit with absurd situations to comment on the social customs of the time.

Review Questions

• How does farce serve as a vehicle for social commentary in Restoration comedy?
  • Farce serves as a powerful tool for social commentary in Restoration comedy by using humor to highlight the absurdities of social conventions and human behavior. The exaggerated situations and ridiculous characters allow playwrights to satirize societal norms, particularly those related to love, marriage, and class dynamics. This comedic style engages the audience while encouraging them to reflect on the societal issues being portrayed in a light-hearted manner.
• Compare and contrast the use of farce in the works of William Wycherley and George Etherege.
  • Both William Wycherley and George Etherege effectively utilize farce in their works, yet they do so with different emphases. Wycherley often employs more overt sexual innuendos and outrageous misunderstandings to create humor in plays like 'The Country Wife,' focusing on the follies of desire. In contrast, Etherege's 'The Man of Mode' blends wit with farcical elements, emphasizing social satire over sheer absurdity. While both playwrights utilize farce, Wycherley's approach leans towards explicit humor, whereas Etherege’s is more nuanced.
• Evaluate the impact of farce on the evolution of comedic forms in subsequent literature beyond the Restoration period.
  • Farce significantly influenced the evolution of comedic forms beyond the Restoration period by establishing a foundation for later comedic styles such as slapstick and modern situational comedy. Its emphasis on exaggerated scenarios and misunderstandings paved the way for future writers to explore complex character interactions through humor. Additionally, farce's ability to critique societal norms has been adopted by various playwrights and filmmakers throughout history, showcasing its lasting impact on comedy as a means for both entertainment and social commentary.

Related terms

Satire: A literary technique that uses humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize and expose flaws in society, individuals, or institutions.

Slapstick: A form of comedy that relies on physical humor and exaggerated actions, often involving pratfalls, collisions, and other absurd physicality.

Comedy of Manners: A genre of comedy that focuses on the behavior and attitudes of a particular social class, often exposing the pretensions and superficialities of the upper class.