Discuss William Dean Howell's 'Self Sacrifice' as a Farce.

William Dean Howells' *Self-Sacrifice* (1890) can be seen as a farce, a genre known for its exaggerated situations, improbable outcomes, and a fast-paced narrative that highlights the absurdities of human nature and social systems. Though Howells is often associated with realist writing, *Self-Sacrifice* deviates from the usual tone and style of his work, taking a more comedic and satirical approach that lends itself to the conventions of farce. To explore how *Self-Sacrifice* can be categorized as a farce, it is essential to consider the defining features of the genre and analyze how Howells manipulates these elements to both entertain and critique societal norms.

### The Structure of Farce and Howells' Manipulation of It

Farce is a theatrical genre characterized by exaggerated characters, improbable situations, mistaken identities, physical humor, and absurd conflicts that usually resolve in a way that restores order or creates a humorous yet absurd ending. In *Self-Sacrifice*, Howells utilizes these elements, though often in a more subtle and socially critical way than typical farces of the time.

The central plot of *Self-Sacrifice* revolves around the character of Robert, who is in love with Florence, but his desires and intentions are complicated by various misunderstandings, social expectations, and the constant shifting of relationships. The play opens with a situation ripe for farce—Robert is attempting to make a noble sacrifice to show his love for Florence, but in doing so, he inadvertently ends up complicating matters even further, creating a tangled web of confusion. This situation embodies the heart of farce: characters whose good intentions are upended by a series of absurd miscommunications, mistaken identities, and a general lack of control over their own fates.

The humor in *Self-Sacrifice* arises not just from the absurdity of the situations but from the characters’ exaggerated responses to the events unfolding around them. Robert, for instance, becomes so consumed with his idea of self-sacrifice that he overlooks the practical realities and emotional ________ ___ ____ _______ __________ ______.
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