Farce in Literature

Farce in Literature: Introduction

Farce, as a genre in literature, stands as a dynamic and enduring form of comedic expression that transcends cultural and historical boundaries.

Rooted in the rich traditions of theater and literature, farce is characterized by its penchant for exaggeration, absurdity, and humor, often navigating intricate plots fueled by mistaken identities, improbable situations, and rapid-paced dialogue.

Originating from classical and medieval theatrical traditions, farce has evolved over the centuries, finding resonance in works ranging from the plays of Molière and Shakespeare to modern novels and films.

Its versatility is evident in the diversity of farcical elements, including physical comedy, social satire, and domestic humor. Beyond entertainment, farce serves as a lens through which writers explore and critique societal norms, human folly, and the inherent absurdities of existence, contributing to its enduring appeal and relevance in the literary landscape.

Farce in Literature: Examples

No.	Author, Novel, Year	Description
1.	Molière – Tartuffe (1664)	– Genre: French Comedy, Farce – Key Elements: Religious hypocrisy, exaggerated characters – Synopsis: Satirical play exposing the deceitful Tartuffe and his impact on a gullible household.
2.	William Shakespeare – The Comedy of Errors (1594)	– Genre: Shakespearean Comedy, Farce – Key Elements: Mistaken identities, twins, rapid-paced dialogue – Synopsis: Hilarious confusion ensues as two sets of identical twins navigate a series of comical misunderstandings.
3.	Oscar Wilde – The Importance of Being Earnest (1895)	– Genre: Comedy of Manners, Farce – Key Elements: Social satire, mistaken identities, witty dialogue – Synopsis: Wilde’s satirical masterpiece explores societal expectations, romance, and the importance of being earnest.
4.	Dario Fo – Accidental Death of an Anarchist (1970)	– Genre: Political Farce, Satire – Key Elements: Political satire, absurd situations, humor – Synopsis: A sharp critique of political corruption, Fo’s farce revolves around an anarchist’s mysterious death and the ensuing investigations.
5.	Joseph Heller – Catch-22 (1961)	– Genre: Satirical Novel, War Fiction – Key Elements: Absurdity, bureaucracy, paradoxes – Synopsis: Heller’s novel satirizes the absurdities of war through the experiences of a U.S. Army Air Forces bombardier.
6.	Lewis Carroll – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865)	– Genre: Fantasy, Nonsense Literature – Key Elements: Nonsensical situations, whimsical characters – Synopsis: Carroll’s masterpiece takes readers on a surreal journey with Alice through the fantastical Wonderland.
7.	Mark Twain – The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876)	– Genre: Bildungsroman, Humor – Key Elements: Humorous escapades, small-town life – Synopsis: Twain’s classic novel follows the mischievous Tom Sawyer as he navigates childhood adventures and explores societal norms in a small town.
8.	George Orwell – Animal Farm (1945)	– Genre: Allegory, Satire – Key Elements: Anthropomorphic animals, political satire – Synopsis: Orwell’s novella employs farcical elements to satirize political ideologies and power structures through the lens of a farmyard rebellion.
9.	Neil Simon – The Odd Couple (1965)	– Genre: Play, Domestic Farce – Key Elements: Mismatched roommates, comedic conflicts – Synopsis: Simon’s play humorously explores the dynamics between two contrasting roommates, providing a timeless portrayal of domestic farce.
10.	Monty Python – Monty Python’s Flying Circus (1969-74)	– Genre: Sketch Comedy, Absurdist Farce – Key Elements: Surreal humor, absurd situations, social commentary – Synopsis: The influential British comedy sketch show blends absurdity with clever social commentary, creating a comedic and surreal experience.

Farce in Literature: Shakespearean

Shakespearean farce refers to a specific subset of William Shakespeare’s comedic works characterized by exaggerated situations, mistaken identities, and humorous misunderstandings. Unlike his romantic comedies, which often involve intricate plots and a resolution in marriage, Shakespearean farces lean heavily on physical humor, wordplay, and comedic timing. Some notable features of Shakespearean farce include:

1. Mistaken Identities: Central to Shakespearean farce is the use of mistaken identities, where characters are confused for one another, leading to a series of comedic complications and misunderstandings.
2. Physical Comedy: Shakespearean farces incorporate elements of physical comedy, involving slapstick, witty banter, and humorous interactions among characters. The physicality of the comedy adds a lively and entertaining dimension to the plays.
3. Farcical Elements in Plot: Plots in Shakespearean farces often revolve around improbable and exaggerated scenarios, challenging the audience’s suspension of disbelief. These plots are driven by absurd situations and the characters’ reactions to them.
4. Use of Wit and Wordplay: Shakespearean farces are renowned for their clever use of language, puns, and wordplay. The dialogue is often quick-paced, filled with witty repartee, and contributes to the overall humor of the play.
5. Role of Foolish Characters: Foolish or comically inept characters play a crucial role in Shakespearean farces. Their actions and decisions contribute to the absurdity of the situations and add to the comedic atmosphere.

One exemplary example of Shakespearean farce is “The Comedy of Errors,” where two sets of identical twins are separated at birth, leading to a cascade of mistaken identities and uproarious situations. The play is a prime illustration of Shakespeare’s skill in crafting farcical elements within a theatrical framework, showcasing his ability to blend humor with the complexities of mistaken identity and situational comedy.

Farce in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories

1. Structuralism:
   • Farce contributes to structuralist literary theory by emphasizing the recurring and patterned nature of comedic elements. It allows scholars to analyze the underlying structures of farcical plots, characters, and situations, revealing the consistent patterns that generate humor.
2. Reader-Response Theory:
   • In the context of reader-response theory, farce engages readers through its humorous elements, inviting active participation in decoding the comedic cues. The audience’s response to farcical situations becomes integral in understanding how humor is constructed and interpreted.
3. Deconstruction:
   • Farce challenges traditional narrative structures and linguistic norms, aligning with deconstructionist ideas. The genre’s use of absurdity and exaggeration disrupts conventional storytelling, inviting deconstructionist analysis to unveil layers of meaning within the comedic framework.
4. Feminist Literary Criticism:
   • Farce, when analyzed through a feminist lens, offers insights into gender dynamics, stereotypes, and societal expectations presented in a humorous context. Feminist literary critics may examine how farce portrays and challenges gender roles through comedic exaggeration.
5. Marxist Literary Criticism:
   • Marxist literary critics may explore farce as a tool for social critique. Through exaggeration and satire, farce often highlights societal absurdities, making it a valuable genre for examining class structures, power dynamics, and the impact of social institutions.
6. Psychoanalytic Literary Criticism:
   • Psychoanalytic theory can be applied to farce to delve into the characters’ motivations, desires, and the unconscious elements driving their comedic actions. Farce often explores the human psyche through exaggerated behaviors and situational comedy.
7. Postcolonial Literary Criticism:
   • Farce can be examined through a postcolonial lens to explore how it reflects or challenges colonial legacies and cultural stereotypes. The genre’s use of exaggeration and absurdity may offer insights into the impact of colonization on cultural identity.
8. Cultural Studies:
   • Cultural studies perspectives may investigate farce in the context of popular culture, examining how comedic elements resonate with and reflect broader cultural attitudes, values, and social norms.

In essence, its relevance in literary theories lies in its ability to engage with and contribute to various critical frameworks. Its use of exaggeration, absurdity, and humor provides rich material for scholars to explore the complexities of narrative, representation, and societal critique within the context of literature.

Farce in Literature: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Exaggeration	Act of magnifying for emphasis or humor.
Slapstick	Physical comedy with exaggerated actions.
Mistaken Identity	Plot device where characters confuse identities.
Ridicule	Using humor to mock or criticize.
Absurdity	Quality of being irrational or incongruous.
Wit	Clever expression of humor or intelligence.
Sitcomedy	Humor from situational rather than verbal wit.
Parody	Imitation with deliberate exaggeration for humor.
Caricature	Exaggerated representation for comic effect.
Satire	Using humor or irony to critique people or society.

Farce in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Molière. The Misanthrope and Other Plays. Translated by David Coward, Oxford University Press, 1998.
2. Shakespeare, William. The Comedy of Errors. Edited by Stanley Wells, Penguin Classics, 2005.
3. Marx, Groucho. Duck Soup (BFI Film Classics). British Film Institute, 1998.
4. Heller, Joseph. Catch-22. Simon & Schuster, 2011.
5. Beckett, Samuel. Waiting for Godot. Grove Press, 2011.
6. Wilde, Oscar. The Importance of Being Earnest. Dover Publications, 1990.
7. Orwell, George. Animal Farm. Signet Classics, 1996.
8. Fo, Dario. Accidental Death of an Anarchist. Methuen Drama, 1987.