Style and Technique: Humour
Style and Technique: Humour
The Role of Humour
General Role
- Humour plays a significant role in The Slab Boys, acting as a coping mechanism for the harsh realities of the characters’ lives.
- The laughs are often bitter-sweet, reflecting the bleakness of the factory setting and the characters’ limited prospects.
- Despite the serious themes, John Byrne uses humour to make the play more engaging and relatable.
Forms of Humour
- Byrne employs various forms of humour in the play, ranging from ironic quips and mockery to absurdist elements.
- Much of the play’s humour comes from the sharp and witty banter between the Slab Boys, showing their camaraderie and resilience.
- Many of the humouristic elements in the play might initially seem absurd or nonsensical, but they are tied to the themes of despair and hopes for a better future.
The Slab Boys’ Humour Style
Humour as Defence
- Phil and Spanky, particularly, use humour as a defence mechanism against their mundane and restrictive working conditions.
- Their jokes and pranks provide them a sense of autonomy and are a way of fighting against the oppressive factory system.
- However, their humour can also be hurtful and destructive, as seen in their treatment of Hector.
Irony and Satire
- Much of their humour is ironic and satirical, serving as a critique of the class system and their powerlessness within it.
- Examples include their mocking imitation of Mr. Curry and Alan, revealing their resentment against the social hierarchy.
Humour in Character Development
- The different types of humour also help in character development. For instance, Phil’s humour is often darker, reflecting his personal struggles and disillusionment.
- On the other hand, Spanky’s humour is lighter and more carefree, mirroring his more optimistic view of life.
Impact on the Audience
Emotional Connection
- The presence of humour makes the characters more endearing to the audience, prompting an emotional connection.
- Despite the humour often being self-deprecating or cruel, it allows the audience to empathise with the characters’ circumstances.
Contrast and Tension
- Humour adds a layer of contrast to the sombre reality of the story, creating a sense of tension and unpredictability.
- It also helps in building suspense, as the audience is left wondering how these characters will face their challenges and if their humour will endure.