Dr. A. Raia
November 8, 2002
The Comic Spirit

Quiz 2

Part I: Take-Home Portion (70%):
Write both essays and bring to class on Friday, November 15

1. In his article “Farce,” Bentley notes the importance of violence in this type of comedy. He argues that images of violence in farce are healthy because they bring together “direct and wild fantasies and the everyday drab realities,” that “our most treasured unmentionable wishes are fulfilled . . . without suffering the guilt,” and that farce is an “art of escape” which provides a comic catharsis. Explain Bentley’s defense of farce in your own words and give examples of how his defense of this often aggressive comic form can be applied to this film. (35%)

2. In his article on the comic hero, M. Charney lists and describes 7 elements which can be found in the comic hero. Choose three aspects from his list that you consider most important and explain them in your own words. Then identify the comic hero in EITHER “The Braggart Soldier” OR “The Haunted House” (use the play you were assigned to read in class) and show how your comic hero illustrates each of the three aspects (give evidence from the play, but do not quote at length). (35%)

Part II: In-Class Exam: Friday, November 15, noon (30%)
    You may refer to your class texts

Section A: Choose five of the questions below to answer for 10%

1. What is Lysistrata’s “great idea”? Explain why she puts it into operation.
2. Give an example from “Lysistrata” of verbal comedy
3. Give an example from “Lysistrata” of visual comedy
4. Name two pairs of opposites found in Lysistrata (examples: men vs. women, Athenian vs. Spartan)
5. Lysistrata battles with and defeats:
   1. ____ Philia
   2. ____ Kinesias
   3. ____ the magistrate
6. Lysistrata praises women’s ability to
   1. ____ drink
   2. ____ weave
   3. ____ cook

Section B: Answer four of the following for 20%

1. In Phormio, Braggart Soldier, and Haunted House (unlike Lysistrata and Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum), some are left out of the “happy ending.” Name those who are excluded at the end of Phormio AND either Braggart Soldier or Haunted House. How does this add to the comedy?
2. Name the stock character of the Matrona in Phormio. Explain how her stereotype and her words are unusual and add to the comic ending.
3. In both Braggart Soldier and Haunted House, women are prominently displayed. Choose one comedy and name the women, their stock characters, and briefly describe what they did that added to the comic effect.
4. In Phormio, Braggart Soldier, and Haunted House, trickery is key to the comic action. Choose two of these plays; briefly describe one trick in each.
5. In Braggart Soldier and Haunted House a Senex unexpectedly adds comedy to the play. Name the "old man" character in one of these plays and explain how he contributes to the comic action.