A Guide to Literary Genres - Sykalo Eugen 2023
Farce
Definition: Literary style refers to the distinctive manner in which an author employs language, narrative techniques, and literary devices to convey their ideas and create a unique aesthetic in their written work. Farce is a comedic genre characterized by exaggerated situations, physical humor, improbable scenarios, and mistaken identities. It often involves rapid pacing, absurdity, and a focus on creating laughter through comedic timing and situational chaos.
Key Features of Farce:
1. Exaggeration: Farce employs exaggeration and hyperbole to an extreme degree, amplifying characters' traits, actions, and circumstances for comedic effect.
2. Physical Comedy: Physical humor, slapstick, and visual gags play a significant role in farce. Characters engage in exaggerated movements, falls, and actions that lead to comic mishaps.
3. Mistaken Identities: Farce often revolves around mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and cases of miscommunication that result in chaotic and humorous situations.
4. Rapid Pacing: Farce is known for its fast-paced and energetic narrative, with events unfolding rapidly, one after another. This pacing contributes to the sense of chaos and absurdity.
5. Door Slams and Entrances: The use of doors, entrances, and exits is a common trope in farce. Characters frequently enter and exit at precisely the wrong moments, creating comedic confusion.
6. Wordplay and Misunderstandings: Farce often involves wordplay, puns, and misunderstandings that contribute to the humorous misunderstandings and confusion between characters.
7. Situational Chaos: Farce creates comedic chaos through the accumulation of improbable and absurd situations that escalate throughout the narrative.
Representatives of Farce:
1. Molière (1622—1673): Molière's comedies, such as "The Misanthrope" and "Tartuffe," are classic examples of farce that use mistaken identities and social satire for comedic effect.
2. Georges Feydeau (1862—1921): Feydeau's plays, including "A Flea in Her Ear" and "The Lady from Maxim's," are known for their rapid pacing, intricate plots, and farcical humor.
3. Michael Frayn (born 1933): Frayn's play "Noises Off" is a meta-farce that offers a comedic look behind the scenes of a play within a play, showcasing the chaos of the theater production.
4. Ken Ludwig (born 1950): Ludwig's plays like "Lend Me a Tenor" and "Moon Over Buffalo" are modern farces that incorporate misunderstandings, physical comedy, and comedic chaos.
5. "Fawlty Towers" (TV series, 1975—1979): Created by John Cleese and Connie Booth, this British sitcom is a classic example of farce set in a hotel, featuring exaggerated characters and comedic mishaps.
6. "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde: This play by Wilde employs mistaken identities, absurd situations, and witty wordplay to create a farcical exploration of Victorian society.
These representatives showcase the key features of farce, demonstrating its emphasis on exaggeration, physical humor, mistaken identities, rapid pacing, and situational chaos to create laughter and comedic entertainment. Farce offers a lighthearted and often absurd perspective on human interactions and the unpredictability of life.