Farce

I was thinking about the political party conferences that always happen this time of year in the UK. It was for this reason the word ‘farce’ sprang to mind. I had guessed where the root was from, and I expect anyone reading with even a smattering of French or Latin can too. The surprising aspect of its usage was how it came to be used in the modern sense. The Latin word farcire meant literally “to stuff or pack full”. This came through into Old French as farcir – the verb still exists in modern French and has the same meaning. The Old English word forcemeat is also derived from farcir – forcemeat being the meat used to stuff a chicken or goose.

In 13th century France, mass in churches was strictly Catholic and conducted in Latin only. As many of the faithful had not learned Latin, they had not a clue what was going on. The priest would often “stuff” a few phrases in French into the order of the service, just to be sure the congregation were in no doubt as to his message to them – this was known as a farse.

Later still, the word farse became used for any comic relief introduced into a “mystery play” (a religious drama often performed in churches). By around the 17th century in England and France, these plays were no longer performed in churches, and had lost the religious lessons. The plays themselves were known (in England) as farces. They were – and remain – a popular element of comedy theatre.

The basics of farce are simple, but the plots are often convoluted. The hero always manages to get him or herself involved in a ludicrous and unbelievably complicated situation, normally by virtue of the fact they are trying to cover up their adultery/homosexuality/gender or something equally tricky. Instead of simply admitting whatever it is that’s causing them problems, they will make matters worse still by roping in other people to provide cover for them. They are usually let off the hook in the final act – often by some unlikely deus ex machina – and everyone lives happily ever after. If you have ever seen La Cage aux Folles, No Sex Please – We’re British! or Fawlty Towers, you’ll already be familiar.