Arrested development

Definition

Arrested development refers to a state in which a character, often in a comedic context, remains stuck in a particular stage of growth or maturity, preventing them from progressing or evolving. This concept is often used in farce to create humor through exaggerated characters and situations that highlight their inability to adapt or change, ultimately leading to ridiculous and entertaining scenarios.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arrested development is commonly found in comedic characters who are unable to mature, such as children or overly whimsical adults.
2. In farce, characters with arrested development often lead to misunderstandings and chaotic situations that amplify the humor.
3. This concept can serve as a critique of societal norms, showcasing how some individuals resist growth due to external pressures.
4. The use of arrested development creates relatable characters, allowing audiences to connect with their struggles while laughing at their predicaments.
5. Arrested development can also reveal deeper themes of nostalgia and fear of adulthood, as characters grapple with their inability to grow up.

Review Questions

• How does arrested development enhance the comedic elements within farce?
  • Arrested development enhances comedy in farce by creating characters who are unable to adapt to their surroundings or circumstances. This leads to humorous situations where their immaturity causes chaos and misunderstandings, resulting in exaggerated and often absurd scenarios. The audience finds humor in the juxtaposition of the characters' childish behavior against the adult situations they encounter.
• Discuss how arrested development can be used as a tool for social commentary within farce.
  • Arrested development can be a powerful tool for social commentary by highlighting the reluctance of individuals to embrace maturity or responsibility. Through exaggerated character traits, playwrights can critique societal expectations and norms that pressure individuals into conformity. This reflection on growth and stagnation allows audiences to recognize the absurdity of certain societal pressures while providing an avenue for laughter.
• Evaluate the role of arrested development in character relationships and conflicts within a farcical narrative.
  • Arrested development plays a crucial role in shaping character relationships and conflicts in farcical narratives. Characters with arrested development often clash with more mature counterparts, leading to humorous tension and conflict. These dynamics create opportunities for comedic interactions, as the immaturity of one character exacerbates misunderstandings and chaotic situations with others. As these relationships unfold, the audience can witness how arrested development not only serves as a source of humor but also drives the plot forward by complicating interactions and outcomes.

Related terms

Characterization: The method by which a writer reveals the personality and traits of characters, often highlighting their flaws or peculiarities.

Exaggeration: A key technique in farce where traits or situations are amplified beyond reality, creating humor through absurdity.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces, often serving as the driving force of a narrative and leading to comedic or dramatic outcomes.