Since early agricultural eras, cultures from every region attempted to divide ideas, actions, and people into two binaries: male and female; in such, each binary has unique cultural expectations and characteristics suitable for them. Fischer states, “Dualistic cultures conceptualize the world through mutually exclusive, opposing values: right and wrong; black and white; male and female; good and bad; sacred and profane” (Fischer 53).
Conceptually segregating ideas, people, and actions into two binaries is simple. Yet, with the complex reality and diverse individuals in a society, conflicts over these expectations arise in every society, regardless of the content of these norms, since many are often suppressed and forcefully fitted into the social standards that the dominant group sets, defined as antinormative behavior (O’Keefe 13).
To challenge such divisions, comedians often incorporate literary devices that reveal how these expectations are absurd in their views. For example, role reversal is a common technique in which two binaries act under the expectations of another gender, subverting traditional gender norms by placing characters in unexpected situations. When men adopt typically feminine traits or behaviors, and women take on masculine roles, it creates a comedic contrast that exposes the absurdity of rigid gender expectations, encouraging audiences to reflect on the fluidity of gender and the stereotypes that often confine individuals. One example of comedy with reversed gender roles is Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), an American comedy-drama film directed by Chris Columbus and written by Randi Mayem Singer and Leslie Dixon. In 1993, societal views on gender roles underwent significant shifts; the post-feminist movement of the late 20th century began to challenge the rigid expectations surrounding masculinity and femininity, yet adherence to conventional norms and family roles remained prevalent— men were often viewed as primary breadwinners and less involved in child- rearing, while women were expected to fulfill nurturing roles. Affected by the shift, Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) shows a father disguising himself as a female nanny to spend time with his children after a divorce. This reversal challenges gender norms by showcasing a man navigating traditionally feminine roles, such as caregiving, while highlighting the absurdity of rigid gender expectations in parenting.
Sarcasm is also a common feature in early comedies. Comedians often use this kind of satire to express the characters’ disagreements and irritation. Sarcasm is a defining characteristic of early comedies; by employing words with sharp wit and irony, comedians can express frustration with societal norms and expectations while simultaneously entertaining the audience.
Its use allows characters to reveal deeper truths about identity and the human experience. For instance, the film His Girl Friday (1940), written by Charles Lederer and Ben Hecht, features a sharp- tongued female journalist, Hildy, who explores both her career and personal life with sarcasm.
When Hildy struggles between choosing a traditional life in which she marries her husband and persisting in her dream of being a journalist, she says to a reporter, "You know what I’m going to do? I’m going to marry Bruce and settle down.
I’ll have a home, and I’ll have a baby, and I’ll be happy!" This line sarcastically highlights the societal expectation of women to prioritize marriage and family over their careers, while Hildy’s confident, satirical tone suggests her reluctance to conform to these standards. Films like His Girl Friday were exceedingly important in their contribution to the rise of feminism. In 1940, the societal landscape was shaped by the aftermath of the Great Depression and the onset of World War II. Traditional gender roles remained prevalent. As women entered the workforce in greater numbers during the war, the seeds of change were being sown, leading to a gradual challenge of these norms. Yet, while women had gained the right to vote in 1920, their roles in society were often limited to domestic spheres. Movies like His Girl Friday reflected the complexities of gender dynamics, showcasing strong, independent female characters who defied conventional expectations, their witty dialogues pushing back against the notion that women should solely occupy supportive roles.
In addition to sarcasm and role reversal, early comedies often incorporated various features, such as slapstick humor, the physical comedy and exaggerated movements that create visual gags; wordplay, the clever puns and witty dialogue that highlight the intelligence of characters while providing comedic relief; and mistaken identity, in which plot twists involve characters disguising themselves or being mistaken for another group of people. Comedy and satire are not limited in their ways to express the inequity and absurdity of conventional gender norms. They serve as vital cultural critiques that encourage audiences to reflect instead of serving merely as entertainment—it is comedies like these that allow audiences in history to reflect on societal norms, shape the diverse, relative world we live in today, and create the equity we anticipate in the future. Ultimately, comedy remains a powerful tool for social change that reminds people that laughter can catalyze meaningful transformation.