Farce is a form of comedy that relies on amusing and highly implausible plots, stereotyped or exaggerated characters, physical humor and misunderstandings to entertain an audience. It originated in masked improvised farces in Ancient Rome, rose in popularity from the late thirteenth century, and continues today in theatre, film and television.
Facts
Place of OriginAncient Rome, in masked improvised farces, with an independent early tradition also in Atellan farce from around 300 BC in Italy. 1 Notable ExampleLa Farce de maitre Pathelin (The Farce of Master Pathelin, circa 1460), the best known farce of medieval France. 1 Defining TraitRelies on amusing and highly implausible plots, stereotyped or exaggerated characters, physical humor and misunderstandings. 1 Connections
Sources
1. Farce (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationHistorical context sectionQuote, Historical context section
The best known farce is La Farce de maître Pathelin (The Farce of Master Pathelin) from c. 1460, although, at some 1500 verses long, it is among the most unusual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered the best known farce from medieval France?
La Farce de maitre Pathelin, circa 1460.
La Farce de maitre Pathelin, from around 1460, is considered the best known farce of medieval France. At roughly 1500 verses long, it is also counted among the most unusual examples of the form.
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