How is humour created and employed in Episode 6 of "Blackadder Goes Forth"

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How is humour created and employed in Episode 6 of "Blackadder Goes Forth"?

Episode six of Blackadder Goes Forth is called 'Goodbyeee'. It was written by Ben Elton and Richard Curtis. 'Goodbyeee' is set in World War One, at the battle of the Somme; in the trenches. World War one is a difficult subject but the writers decided to add a humorous edge to highlight the serious issues of war. Blackadder was always shown before the nine o'clock watershed therefore it is suitable for all ages of viewers.

There are many types of humour used throughout programmes over the years:

Firstly - the physical world letting people down. This is often houses collapsing, or cars running away. An example of this type of comedy is featured in "The Chuckle Brothers".

Secondly - the absurd. This type of humour is typical in cartoons, where injuries are never permanent. Commonly used in "The Simpsons" or "Tom and Jerry".

Thirdly - sexual innuendos. This is where one character will say something innocent; this could be "Show us your jugs love". It is implied to the audience that this is a sexual comment, but as the camera turns to the female, she would be holding two jugs of water. Sexual innuendos are used throughout "Carry On..." films.

Fourthly - satire. Institutions such as the Government, or the Royal Family, are poked fun at. "Have I Got News for You" revolves entirely around satire.

Finally - self criticism or self depreciation. For example, Ronnie Corbett is famous for using this type of comedy. He was constantly cracking jokes about his personal flaws or un-favoured features.

The first type of humour that is used in 'Goodbyeee' is; verbal humour. Verbal humour could be puns, sarcasm, insults or wisecracks. Other than in Blackadder, this type of humour is used by Frank Skinner and Paul Merton.

The second type of humour that is used in episode six of Blackadder Goes Forth is visual humour. It may also be known as slapstick. This could be a custard pie in the face, or somebody's trousers falling down. Other than in Blackadder, Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and 'Laurel and Hardy' are famous for using visual comedy in their acts.
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Overall, Blackadder is known as Black comedy. This means making serious issues or subjects into something amusing. The serious issues may be death, food shortage or war.

The first time we hear verbal humour being displayed in 'Goodbyeee', is when Lieutenant George talks about the Pal's Battalion that he signed up for the war with. All of George's friends had rather strange nicknames, e.g. Bumfluff, Jacko and Badger, Sticky and Drippy and Mr Floppy. We hear Lieutenant George tell us that he and his friends had "beaten the 'Oxford Tiddlywinkers' only the week before". George then ...

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