Comic Devices for Mocks Flashcards
What is Farce
- a form of theatre evolved form farcial comedy
Foolish exaggerated characters in absurd and improbable situations
What is Absurtity
something completely ridiculous
What is dramatic irony
we know something the characters on stage dont
What is wit
quick thinking, verbal skills, clever use of language to create comic repartee (cleverness in reply)
What is slapstick
physical action that looks like it should involve physical injury
What is rule of three
once, twice, three times - bigger and bigger and bigger
What is parody
exaggeration or imitation certain characteristic of a person
What is double take
delayed reaction
1 - look but not acknowledge
2 - look to the audience (brain processes, audience read the realisation in face)
3 - snap back to look again at what you thought u had seen, react with a gasp
4 - snap back to the audience, take in a breath
What is reversal
unexpected change in pace or rhythm
What is slight
unexpected slide from one idea to another, change in rhythm but is delayed
performed to cover something up
What is surpirse
an unexpected action or reaction
What is superiority theory
laugh at the less fortunate than us - loveable fool
what are 2 examples of superiority theory in ASTTM?
- Truffaldino getting beat with his slapstick
- Truffaldino tries to lift a trunk that is too heavy for him
What is relief theory
Laugh as a release of tension and pent up nervous energy - may feel unsure or uncomfortable with what we are seeing and feel inappropriate emotions
What is an example of relief theory in ASTTM?
- truffaldino about to take a beating - we know it will happen (dramatic irony), Pantalone holding the slapstick, draws his arm back with an angry face and makes a big sweeping swing to hit truffaldinos rear, we hold our breath and as truffaldino leaps up in the air in exaggerated pain, leaping around the stage, we laugh as we are relieved it was just a gag
what is an example of incongruity?
when you hear or see something out of place within the given scene
when your expectations have prepared you for something completely different, temporary confusion is replaced with humour
What is an example of incongruity theory in ASTTM?
Beatrice being disguised as her brother, the audience can see this is a women in a disguise but the characters accept her as a man. We laugh particularly from dramatic irony of knowing something those on stage do no know, but also due to incongruity is seeing a woman doing things typically consider mans things
What is the context for the incongruity theory of Beatrice
This would have had a far greater response when this play was performed in the 18th century, today women doing the things a man would do is accepted as entirely credible
Where is incongruity seen in truff?
When Truff tried to be something he is not, e.g. uses language that suggests culture and education, he plays superior to Brighella who clearly has more knowledge about food, laying tables and service than he has
