Comic Relief
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Writers insert into serious work of fiction or drama a humorous scene to provide comic
relief
A scene introduced for comic relief can sometimes, because of contrast, increase the
perceived intensity of the seriousness of the action around it
 Trabb’s boy- exploits Pip’s inner turmoil
 Wopsle- heightens Pip’s anxieties about his own expectations
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Chapter 31 of Great Expectations summary
Wopsle is terrible as Hamlet, and everything about the play is so bad that the audience heckles
it nonstop.
Pip and Herbert try to slink out at its conclusion without being noticed by Wopsle, but are
nabbed at the exit and sent backstage to see the actor, who's adopted the silly stage-name of
Waldengraver. Wopsle is oblivious about his performance--he seems to think he's done a lovely
job--and Pip and Herbert lie to make him feel good. Out of pity, they invite Wopsle to dinner
and he accepts, staying too late and jabbering the whole time about his performance. Pip goes
to bed miserable and dreams that his great expectations have all fallen to pieces.
GROUP NAMES
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Directions:
In your groups, look over pages 253-255 of Chapter 31 (Mr. Waldengraver’s performance). Your job is to
find examples of comic relief.
Below, list at least 5 examples of comic relief and explain what makes it comic relief.
1.
6.
2.
7.
3.
8.
4.
9.
5.
10.