Literary Terms: Satire, Interludes, Tragedy, Tragi-comedy, Comedy, Farce

Satire

 Satire is a genre of literature that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize or mock human vices, follies, or societal issues. It often aims to bring about social or political change through its satirical commentary. Dryden defines the satire as a literary composition whose principal aims to redicule folly or vice. The true end of satire is an amendment of vices by correction. A healthy satire good humouredly exposes one’s folly or vice.  Satire can be found in various forms, including novels, plays, poetry, and even cartoons. It serves as a powerful tool to highlight hypocrisy, corruption, and absurdity in society. 

Example: 

1. "Animal Farm" by George Orwell is a classic example of satire. The novel uses a group of farm animals to satirically portray the events leading up to the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Joseph Stalin. Through the animals' actions and dialogue, Orwell critiques the corruption and abuse of power in totalitarian regimes.

2. Samuel Butler’s novel "The Way of All Flesh" (1903) is a comic satire that criticizes overzealousness and hypocrisy in child rearing and religious faith.

Interludes

Interludes refer to short scenes or acts within a play or narrative that serve as a break or diversion from the main plot. The interludes were generally short entertainments inserted within a longer play or amidst some other festivities or festivals. Their primary function was to entertain the audience by humour or even by force.  These interludes often introduce a separate storyline or offer a change in tone or setting. They can provide comic relief or offer a different perspective on the main story. Interludes can also be used to highlight thematic elements or provide additional background information.

Example:

1. In Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the interlude of the mechanicals' play within the play serves as a humorous and lighthearted break from the romantic entanglements of the main plot. The comical performance by the amateur actors adds an element of farce and serves as a contrast to the more serious themes of love and enchantment.

2. British composer Benjamin Britten's "Sea Interludes."

    Tragedy

The tragedy is the tragic story of a good and great man who, on account of a slight flaw in his character, passes through a harrowing, emotional  and spiritual crisis, and finally meets his doom and death.  A protagonist's downfall or destruction may often due to a tragic flaw or a combination of external circumstances. Tragedies typically evoke feelings of pity and fear in the audience and explore profound themes such as fate, mortality, and the human condition. They often feature a noble or heroic character who meets an unfortunate or catastrophic fate.

Example: 

1. William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" is a renowned tragedy. The play follows the tragic journey of Prince Hamlet, who seeks revenge for his father's murder. The story delves into themes of betrayal, madness, and mortality, ultimately resulting in the demise of several key characters, including Hamlet himself.

2.  Marlowe's "The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus."

    Tragi-comedy

A tragic comedy is a artistic combination of both tragedy and comedy. It develops as a tragedy to the point of climax, and then takes a happy turn and finally ends into a happy denouement. It combines serious and humorous elements to create a work that oscillates between both genres. Tragicomedy often explores the complexities of human emotions and the interplay between joy and sorrow. It can present tragic situations with comic relief or incorporate comedic elements within a predominantly serious narrative.

Example: 

1."The Tempest" by William Shakespeare is considered a tragicomedy. The play explores themes of power, forgiveness, and redemption, while also featuring comedic moments and light-hearted characters such as the mischievous spirit Ariel and the drunken butler Stephano. The interplay between the serious and humorous elements adds depth and complexity to the story.

2. Samuel Beckett's "En attendant Godot or Waiting for Godot," 1954).

Comedy

The comedy is a type of drama characterized by romantic love, humour, pleasantry, light satire and cross love finally leading to a happy denouement. Through fortune may be unkind to some stage, all ends happily at last. It often features lighthearted and humorous situations, witty dialogue, and amusing characters. Comedy can be found in various forms, including plays, novels, and films. It explores themes such as love, misunderstandings, and the absurdities of everyday life.

Example:

1. "Much Ado About Nothing" by William Shakespeare is a delightful comedy that explores themes of love, deception, and misunderstandings. The play follows the witty banter and romantic entanglements of two couples, Beatrice and Benedick, and Hero and Claudio. Shakespeare's clever wordplay, comedic situations, and the humorous antics of the bumbling constable Dogberry and his watchmen add to the overall comedic effect of the play. "Much Ado About Nothing" showcases Shakespeare's mastery of comedic storytelling and remains a beloved comedy in the literary canon.

2. Jonson’s  "Every Man in His Humour" (1598).

Farce 

Farce is a crude form of comedy.It seeks to cause boisterous horse – laughter. A farce is rarely a full play. It is an episode inserted within a play to please the lower class of spectators, or to relieve tragic tension. Farce is a comedic genre that relies on exaggerated situations, absurd plot twists, and physical humour to create laughter. It often involves mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and chaotic situations that lead to humorous outcomes. Farce prioritizes entertainment and amusement, often sacrificing realism for comedic effect.

Example:

1. "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde is a classic farce that satirizes Victorian society. The play revolves around mistaken identities, elaborate deceptions, and ludicrous situations. The characters' witty banter and Wilde's clever wordplay add to the comedic elements of the play, making it a delightful farce.

2. French farce  "Master Peter Patelan."

Conclusion:

In conclusion, these literary terms represent different genres and techniques employed in literature. Satire uses humor and irony to critique society, interludes provide breaks or alternative storylines within a larger narrative, tragedy explores the downfall of a protagonist, tragicomedy combines elements of tragedy and comedy, comedy aims to entertain and amuse, and farce uses exaggerated situations and physical humor for comedic effect. Understanding these terms can help readers analyze and appreciate various works of literature and their unique qualities.

  Ardhendu De