Bawdy servant

Definition

A bawdy servant is a comedic character often found in French comedy, especially during the era of Molière, characterized by their crude humor, sexual innuendos, and a playful attitude towards societal norms. These characters typically serve a master or mistress and provide comic relief through their risqué behavior, often revealing the follies and hypocrisies of the upper classes while simultaneously engaging in their own mischief.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bawdy servants often serve as a foil to more serious characters, highlighting their moral shortcomings through humorous contrasts.
2. In Molière's works, characters like Sganarelle in 'Don Juan' exemplify the bawdy servant archetype, using wit and sarcasm to navigate complex social situations.
3. These characters are often portrayed as clever and resourceful, using their low status to expose the hypocrisy of the upper classes while enjoying their own escapades.
4. The use of bawdy servants reflects the shifting attitudes towards class and morality in 17th-century France, allowing audiences to laugh at societal norms.
5. Bawdy humor employed by these characters can sometimes push boundaries, making audiences question what is acceptable while still providing entertainment.

Review Questions

• How do bawdy servants function within Molière's comedies to enhance the narrative and engage the audience?
  • Bawdy servants serve a crucial role in Molière's comedies by acting as comedic catalysts that drive the plot forward. Their crude humor and sharp wit often expose the absurdities of high society, providing audiences with both entertainment and a critique of social norms. By contrasting their behavior with that of the upper classes, these characters illuminate the flaws of those they serve, creating an engaging dynamic that keeps audiences invested in both the comedy and its underlying messages.
• Discuss how the portrayal of bawdy servants reflects the cultural attitudes towards class structure and morality in 17th-century France.
  • The portrayal of bawdy servants in Molière's works reflects a growing awareness of class dynamics and moral hypocrisy in 17th-century France. As these characters navigate their positions with cleverness and irreverence, they challenge established social hierarchies by exposing the flaws and foolishness of their superiors. This subversion not only provides comedy but also encourages audiences to reconsider their own views on morality and class status during a time when such discussions were becoming increasingly prominent.
• Evaluate the significance of bawdy humor as employed by servants in Molière's plays and its impact on audience perception of societal norms.
  • Bawdy humor serves as a powerful tool in Molière's plays, allowing servants to critique societal norms through laughter while simultaneously challenging audience perceptions. This type of humor not only entertains but also provokes thought about moral standards and class differences. The impact is significant as it empowers lower-class characters to voice dissent against societal hypocrisy, ultimately leading audiences to reflect on their own beliefs and behaviors. The comedic lens through which these issues are presented fosters a space for critical engagement with complex social themes.

Related terms

Molière: A French playwright and actor who is considered one of the greatest masters of comedy in Western literature, known for his satirical plays that critique social conventions and human behavior.

Commedia dell'arte: An early form of professional theater originating in Italy that relied on stock characters and improvisation, influencing the development of comic characters like the bawdy servant in French comedy.

Farce: A comedic genre characterized by exaggerated and improbable situations, physical humor, and absurdity, often featuring characters like the bawdy servant to heighten the comedy.