William Dean Howells is not typically associated with farce; rather, he is known as a realist writer who depicted the complexities of everyday life in his works.
However, if we were to hypothetically interpret one of his works, such as “The Elevator” (also known as “Self-Sacrifice”), through the lens of farce, it would require a creative reimagining of the text.
In “The Elevator,” Howells explores the dynamics of social interaction within the confined space of an elevator. The story revolves around a group of characters who find themselves trapped together due to a malfunctioning elevator. As tension mounts and tempers flare, the passengers reveal their true selves through their reactions to the crisis.
If we were to interpret “The Elevator” as a farce, we might emphasize the exaggerated nature of the characters’ behaviors and the absurdity of the situation. For example, we could amplify the comedic elements of the story by heightening the absurdity of the characters’ responses to the elevator malfunction. Each character could embody a distinct archetype, such as the neurotic businessman, the overly polite elderly woman, or the bumbling maintenance worker, whose exaggerated traits contribute to the escalating chaos.
Additionally, we could play up the physical comedy inherent in the cramped space of the elevator, with characters jostling for position, engaging in slapstick antics, and frantically pressing buttons in a futile attempt to escape. The dialogue could be infused with rapid-fire wit and wordplay, as characters engage in verbal sparring and comedic misunderstandings.
However, it’s important to note that this interpretation would involve taking creative liberties with Howells’ original text, as “The Elevator” is not inherently a farce in its tone or style. While elements of humor and social satire are present in the story, they are more subdued and understated compared to the broad humor and exaggerated situations typical of farce.
In summary, while “The Elevator” by William Dean Howells could be reimagined as a farce with some creative reinterpretation, it is fundamentally a realist work that explores the complexities of human behavior and social interaction in a confined space. Any interpretation of the story as a farce would need to be approached with caution and sensitivity to the original text and its themes.