Panttaja / Play Analysis / Thea 371

The Psychology of the Farce:

 (why it works so well)

Farce is to Melodrama as Tragedy is to High Comedy

Farce is a second class or second tier of comedy meaning more base and bawdy.

Farce Reveals the Comic Mask

Farce knocks down the façade of individuals down In a comic way

Farce Relies on Established Virtue

A character or characters established virtue is usually the foil of all farcical comedy

Farce uses Limited Naturalism

Farces does not rely on real life to accomplish its goals, It uses broad assumptions, stereotypes and actions.

Farce is Reality, Sped Up

Although the action of the play and characters are plausible the rate at which they happen is comic and intriguing.

Farce is Emotional rather than Intellectual.

Characters rely on their emotional response to a situation, they're intellect is usually cloud in some manner or another.

 Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest

          Reaction to Victorian Repression

          Openly Gay (Green Carnation)

          Double Standard, Façade, Mask, Reality

          Not a Playwright, a Conversationalist

          "Terribly Earnest about Terribly Superficial Things"

          Wit as a Form of Aggression

Seven Elements of Farce: 

Identity Centered:

Revolves around the mistaken or threatened identity of the characters.

Attitude towards the Plot:

The plot mocks social codes, is clue based, involves 'funny' violence, has a shock resolution, and a happy ending.

Wit and Manners:

The plot toys with the concept of what should be done (is proper) and the rebellions against that code.   It is the witty approach to these issues that creates farce.

Reversal of Expectations:

The element of surprise can happen anywhere in the action and usually does.   The resolution always includes a comic reversal.

Velocity and Speed:

Things happen quickly.   It's comedy: timing, timing, timing.

Multiple and Fragile Substructures:

Structure is based on social satire and it follows rules that we can see and which guide the characters.   It is the written guide by which the characters are trapped.

Use of Character Roles:

Young lovers, witty servants, hen pecked husbands, misers, and rising socialites.   A loosened, yet enhanced, commedia cast.