Style and Technique: Humour

Understanding the Use of Humour

Ena Lamont Stewart expertly balances the serious themes of poverty and hardship in Men Should Weep with the deft use of humour.
The humour in the play is rooted in the everyday life of the characters, often drawn from their wit and resilience in the face of adversity.
Filled with sardonic one-liners, reactive humour, and situational comedy, the play uses humour as a coping mechanism to show how the characters deal with their challenging circumstances.

The Function of Humour in Highlighting Resilience

Humour serves a significant purpose in showing how the characters resist succumbing to hopelessness despite their circumstances.
Their laughter and light-hearted exchanges become a form of resistance, a way for them to hold on to their humanity and spirit amidst their struggles.
For instance, characters like Jenny Morrison often use humour to hide their pain and desolation.

Humour and Characterisation

Stewart uses humour to enhance the individuality of characters.
Characters such as Granny and Lily have a sarcastic sense of humour that adds to their strength of character, showing their ability to face their hardships with courage and optimism.

Humour in Setting Emotional Tone

The presence of humour in serious dialogue and situations often acts as a relief.
The humour, often dark, serves to illuminate the harsh realities of life in the tenements.
It also helps in promoting empathy from the audience, allowing them to feel a deeper emotional connection to the characters’ plights.

Key Quotes Reflecting Importance of Humour

Maggie’s line, “I’ve had enough worrying. I think I’ll go to the pictures” depicts her preference for escapism and her ability to joke despite being in difficult circumstances.
Granny’s remark, “I need to win the sweep to get rid of my cough” shows her sharp humour and encapsulates her rather bleak reality.

In a nutshell, the use of humour in Men Should Weep: