Understanding Farce: Definition, Meaning, and Examples
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 7 min read

Contents

Ever watched a movie, play, or read a book that left you clutching your belly from laughter due to its exaggerated humor, and thought, "What on earth is this?" Well, you've likely encountered a farce, one of the most entertaining, yet often misunderstood genres in literature and film. In this blog, we'll take a fun-filled journey that explores the definition of farce, its origins, characteristics, and purpose, with a sprinkle of examples to bring it all to life. So, sit tight, and let's dive into the amusing world of farce.

What is farce?

A great place to start is to understand the definition of farce. Farce is a type of comedy that uses exaggerated and absurd situations to create humor. It's like a magnifying glass for humor, taking what might otherwise be a simple joke, and amplifying it to outlandish proportions.

The Basics

At its core, a farce is a comedic dramatic work that makes use of buffoonery and horseplay. It's characterized by ludicrously improbable situations and crude characterization. In essence, a farce takes normality and throws it out of the window, replacing it with exaggerations, misunderstandings, and at times, a healthy dose of chaos.

Farce as a Genre

When we talk about farce as a genre, it's worth noting that it's not just limited to literature. Farce also find its place in stage plays, film, and television shows. Essentially, anywhere there's room for outrageous humor and laugh-out-loud situations, a farce can exist. It's like the party animal of the comedy world.

An Absurd Event

Another aspect of the definition of farce is that it can refer to an absurd event. Ever been to a party where everything that could go wrong did, leading to a series of hilarious mishaps? Well, that's a farce. It's a type of comedy that thrives on the unexpected, the exaggerated, and the downright ridiculous.

Be it a play where characters are running in and out of doors in a state of confusion, a movie where a simple task spirals into a series of comedic mishaps, or a book that takes you on a wild ride of exaggerated events - if it's making you laugh with its over-the-top scenarios, it's probably a farce.

Origins of farce

Now that we have our definition of farce down, let's take a trip back in time and explore its origins. Like many good things in life, farce has its roots firmly planted in the past, with a history as colourful and entertaining as the genre itself.

From Latin to French

So where does the term 'farce' even come from? Well, it originates from the Latin word 'farsus,' which means 'filled.' But how does 'filled' relate to comedy, you might ask? That's an interesting story. In the Middle Ages, religious plays in France had comic, exaggerated scenes inserted to fill them out—hence 'farce.' So, the next time you're ROFLing at a modern farce, remember, it's got a pretty ancient and holy history!

The Renaissance Era

Fast forward a few centuries to the Renaissance—an exciting time for all forms of art, including farce. It was during this period that farce started to evolve from being just a filler in religious plays to a standalone genre. Plays brimming with ludicrous situations, slapstick humor, and exaggerated characters started to become popular. The world was beginning to see the true comedic potential of farce.

Modern Times

As we move closer to the present day, farce has continued to evolve, finding its way into novels, films, and TV shows. Whether it's the over-the-top antics of Mr. Bean or the absurd scenarios in the movie 'Home Alone', farce has become a staple in popular culture. It's moved from the stages of medieval France to the screens in our living rooms, bringing laughter to millions worldwide. So, the next time you're belly laughing at a comedic scene, spare a thought for the rich and vibrant history of farce that makes it all possible.

Characteristics of farce

Now that we've journeyed through the history of farce, let's dig into what makes a farce, well... a farce! Here are the key characteristics that you'll often find in this hilarious genre.

Exaggeration is Key

One of the main hallmarks of farce is exaggeration. Characters in a farce are often larger than life, with personalities that are blown way out of proportion. They might be extremely dim-witted, outrageously cunning, or absurdly clumsy. The situations they find themselves in are also typically exaggerated to the point of absurdity. It's all about taking reality and stretching it to ridiculous extremes!

Physical Comedy

Farce loves a good pratfall. Slapstick comedy, which involves lots of physical humor such as tripping, falling, or getting hit on the head, is a staple in farce. This isn't the subtle, witty humor of a political satire. No, farce is about belly laughs and funny bones—sometimes quite literally!

Speed and Timing

Everything in a farce happens at breakneck speed. Characters rush around, plans go awry, and misunderstandings multiply before you can even catch your breath. Timing is everything in this genre—whether it's the perfect comedic pause or the split-second surprise that sends the audience into fits of laughter. So, if you're into fast-paced comedy, farce is your cup of tea.

Plot Twists and Turns

Finally, farce is all about the unexpected. Plot twists and turns are commonplace, keeping the audience on their toes. Just when you think you know what's going to happen next—bam!—the story veers off in an entirely different direction. This surprise element is a key characteristic of farce and one of the things that makes it so entertaining.

So there you have it! Now when you watch a farce, you'll be able to spot these characteristics and appreciate the craft that goes into creating such hilarious chaos.

Purpose of farce

By now, you might be wondering—why all this silliness? What's the point of all these exaggerated characters, physical comedy, fast-paced action, and crazy plot twists? Let's delve into the purpose of farce to understand why it's such a beloved genre.

Making Us Laugh

First and foremost, the purpose of a farce is to make us laugh—pure and simple. It's a genre that doesn't take itself too seriously, and neither should we. Farce is like a playground for the mind, a place where we can let go of our worries and just enjoy the ride.

A Mirror to Society

While farce might seem like all fun and games, it can also serve a deeper purpose. By exaggerating certain aspects of society, farce can shine a light on our quirks, flaws, and absurdities. It's like holding up a fun-house mirror to ourselves, showing us how ridiculous we can be.

A Break from Reality

Farce provides a much-needed escape from reality. In a world that can be all too serious, farce offers a chance to let loose and enjoy the absurd. It's a genre that says, "Hey, it's okay to be silly sometimes!"

An Exercise in Timing

Lastly, farce serves as a masterclass in comedic timing. The fast pace, the unexpected twists, and the physical comedy all require precision timing. For anyone interested in comedy, studying a farce can provide valuable insights into the art of timing.

So, whether it's making us laugh, reflecting society, providing an escape, or teaching us about timing, farce serves many purposes—all while keeping us thoroughly entertained!

Examples of farce in literature

Now that we understand the purpose of farce, let's take a look at some examples in literature. These works perfectly embody the definition of farce, providing a feast of hilarity and absurdity.

"The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde

One of the finest examples of farce in literature is Oscar Wilde's play, "The Importance of Being Earnest". It's a fast-paced romp filled with mistaken identities, exaggerated characters, and witty dialogue. Wilde uses the play to poke fun at Victorian society, highlighting its hypocrisy and absurdity.

"Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome

"Three Men in a Boat" is a delightful farcical novel by Jerome K. Jerome. The story follows three friends (and a dog) as they embark on a boating trip on the Thames. Jerome uses the men's misadventures to create a series of humorous situations, from battling a tin of pineapple to an unexpected encounter with a swan.

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" by Plautus

This ancient Roman farce by Plautus is one of the earliest examples of the genre. "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" is a riotous comedy filled with slapstick humor, mistaken identities, and clever wordplay. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of farce that this play continues to entertain audiences over 2,000 years after it was first performed.

These examples illustrate how farce can use humor and absurdity to entertain, critique society, and provide a delightful escape from reality. So, next time you're in need of a good laugh, why not pick up one of these farcical masterpieces?

Examples of farce in film

Farce isn't just confined to literature. The silver screen has a fair share of farcical gems that have left audiences in splits. Let's dive into a few film examples that showcase the definition of farce in a whole new light.

"Some Like It Hot" directed by Billy Wilder

Considered one of the greatest comedies of all time, "Some Like It Hot" is a classic example of cinematic farce. The movie is a hilarious tale of two musicians who disguise themselves as women to hide from gangsters. The film is replete with slapstick humor, rapid-fire dialogue, and a cascade of comic mishaps.

"The Pink Panther" series directed by Blake Edwards

"The Pink Panther" series, featuring the bumbling Inspector Clouseau, is a textbook example of farce in film. The series is a parade of physical comedy, ludicrous situations, and clever wordplay. It's impossible to forget Clouseau's absurd disguises and his knack for causing chaos wherever he goes.

"Monty Python and the Holy Grail" directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones

Turning the legend of King Arthur on its head, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" is an uproarious farce that spares no one. Knights who say "Ni," a rabbit with a vicious streak, and a highly anachronistic police force — it's all part of the Monty Python team's unique brand of absurd humor.

These film examples highlight how farce can create an uproarious viewing experience, with their fast pace, larger-than-life characters, and outrageous situations. So, the next time you're in need of a good laugh, you might want to pull up one of these uproarious films and let the farcical fun begin!

If you found this blog post on understanding farce insightful and want to explore more about the world of creativity and filmmaking, check out the workshop 'Mental Health & Filmmaking' by Bertie Gilbert. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights on how mental health can impact filmmaking, and how to take care of yourself while pursuing your passion for the arts. Don't forget to explore other Daisie's classes for even more inspiration and knowledge!