Comedy Essay Assignment

Even though The Importance of Being Earnest doesn’t necessarily contain too many LOL moments, many comedic elements present in the play are still present in movies today.

Assignment: Select a modern comedy film which contains similar comedic elements to those present in The Importance of Being Earnest.

As you watch the film, take notes on the comedic elements, so that you can speak about them in particular terms (i.e. specific quotes) in your essay.

Select three of the following comedic elements from your movie, and discuss how they are present in a similar fashion in The Importance of Being Earnest.

  • happy ending: the plot ends in a wedding or some other similar celebration, oftentimes for multiple characters.
  • all-inclusive resolution: essentially every single character in the play gets what he or she wants in the end – usually some sort of romantic relationship. Waterboy
  • mistaken identities: comedy that is derived from characters mistaking someone for someone else. Parent Trap
  • sentimental comedy: a character who is villainous or mischievous reforms in the end. GRINCH Despicable Me
  • blocking figure: a parent or guardian-type character who blocks a main character from being in a relationship with the person he wants to date. Meet the Parents
  • satire: comedy that provides commentary on society. Remember the four main satirical techniques.
  • burlesque humor: humor that is derived from physical action. Fresh Prince Three Stooges
  • farcical scenes: ridiculous scenes intended to make you laugh.
  • sarcastic/witty dialogue: funny, sarcastic banter, usually featuring some memorable quotes
  • characters who are caricatures: characters who are exaggerated versions of the archetypes

Some Suggestions for Movies:

  • American Pie
  • The Hangover
  • The Parent Trap
  • Meet the Parents
  • The Princess Bride
  • Legally Blonde
  • Austin Powers
  • Shrek
  • School of Rock
  • The Simpsons Movie
  • The Proposal
  • Mean Girls
  • Baseketball
  • Epic Movie
  • Scary Movie
  • Semi-Pro
  • The Breakfast Club
  • Space Jam
  • Juno
  • Ten Things I Hate About You
  • She’s the Man
  • John Tucker Must Die
  • Saving Silverman
  • Billy Madison
  • White Chicks
  • Old School

Feel free to choose your own film, but be sure to get your parents’ permission before watching an R-rated film.

Of course, if you watch a film that contains scenes with “racy” humor, you will discuss them in an academic way in your essay or avoid them entirely.

Be sure to use quotes and particular examples from both your film and The Importance of Being Earnest. Good luck!

Due Date: ______