What is the Difference Between Farce and Comedy?

The main difference between farce and comedy lies in their types of humor and objectives. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Definition: Farce is a low form of comedy that uses buffoonery and horseplay, typically including crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations. Comedy, on the other hand, is a dramatic work that is light and often humorous, aiming to make people laugh while sometimes exposing and criticizing the vices and follies of society.
2. Type of Comedy: Farce is a type of low comedy, while comedy can be classified as high comedy and low comedy. High comedy often involves more sophisticated humor, wit, satire, and irony, whereas low comedy relies on physical actions, vulgar jokes, and slapstick.
3. Aim: Farce aims to entertain the audience by making them laugh through highly exaggerated and extravagant situations. Comedy may have a broader range of objectives, such as exposing vices and follies of society while creating laughter.
4. Techniques: Farce uses absurdities, vulgar jokes, and physical actions to create laughter. Comedy can use wit, satire, irony, as well as slapstick and farce to create laughter.

In summary, farce is a type of comedy that relies on exaggerated situations and physical humor to create laughter, while comedy is a broader genre that encompasses a wide range of humor, including high comedy and low comedy. Farce is considered a low form of comedy, while comedy can involve more sophisticated and nuanced humor.

Comparative Table: Farce vs Comedy

Here is a table outlining the key differences between farce and comedy:

In summary, farce is a specific type of comedy characterized by exaggerated and improbable situations, crude jokes, and physical humor, while comedy encompasses a broader range of humorous works, including high comedy, low comedy, satire, and farce. Farce aims solely to create laughter, whereas comedy may also address social issues or expose vices and follies of society.