Sources of humor in Alan Ayckbourn’s absent friends

Abstract EN

The paper studies the British playwright Alan Ayckbourn’s Absent Friends as an example of modem comedy.

It highlights its thematic and technical features, and determines the sources of humor which the playwright uses, employing words, characters and situations.

The research reveals that his style of farce embodies humor, exaggeration, comic and tragic scenes, unexpected reactions, monologues and psychological depth.

It also shows how the play Absent Friends criticizes the British people who are indulged in their egos and turn self-centered.

In short, the play laments the loss of true friendship in modem England.

The protagonists Paul, Diana, John, Evelyn and Marge prove that they do not really care about their friend Colin who has lost his fiancée in an accident.

Diana arranges a party to console Colin, but the get-together shows that each one focuses on oneself.