SBVIETNAM

__Vietnamization__ Essay

The dictionary holds farce comedy as containing three specific elements: improbable plot situations, exaggerated characters, and slapstick humor. Christopher Durang, in his __The Vietnamization of New Jersey__, displays all of these elements. As far as improbability in Durang's play, it runs rampant and is seen almost every page. One example of an improbable situation is the disposing of the father's body. I don't know of any time someone has been crammed into a garbage bag and handed to the garbagemen. Another example is present with the uncle's entrance into the play. After parachuting into the action, which is unlikely in and of itself, he sets bear traps in hopes of catching Davey and killing him due to his lack of vengeance aimed at Vietnam. Exaggerated characters, the second quality, is also seen throughout the play. Davey's new wife, who has her eyes taped up to appear Oriental, is actually a regular American girl. The uncle is a blood-crazed, pro-war, radical who wants nothing more than to punish Vietnam for everything they caused. Et is also an exaggerated character. Even though he is in his teens, he is very childish in the way he stuffs cereal down his pants, entertains his uncle, and talks unfiltered about sex and the like. The slapstick humor is also prevalent in the play. The childish behavior of Et, his interactions with his brother's wife, and the relationship between the two parents in the play are quite humorous. They are highly immature and play into the slapstick theme Durang was looking to achieve. In today's society, farce is still quite popular. __3rd Rock from the Sun__ and __The Three Stooges__ are great examples of farce as they include all the necessary elements.