In theatre, farce is a type of comedy that has highly exaggerated, improbable situations and uses physical comedy. The term originated in the 15th century to describe when actors would improvise comedic bits into the plays they were acting in. As a result, the word was often used derisively to describe a play of low merit.

By Coward’s time, a farce was a distinct genre of comedy. The genre often includes highly unlikely situations, a fast-paced plot, stereotypical or flat characters, exaggerated miscommunication, and broad physical comedy. It is often absurd and can include satire and parody. The characters are often extremely witty. Other examples of farce include Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, Michael Frayn’s Noises Off, and Brandon Thomas’s Charley’s Aunt. Film examples include the works of Charlie Chaplin, those of the Marx Brothers, and Home Alone.

The play’s singular setting and accelerated timeline are examples of its farcical nature. The constraints of the setting heighten the improbability of the play’s problem. The house’s upper-class trappings contrast with the destruction and chaos caused by the spirits.