"The Accidental Death of an Anarchist" by Dario Fo
Important Note: Dario Fo is an icon of satire!
Fo's "The Accidental Death of An Anarchist" follows the journey of a maniac who cosplays as a judge, and happens to discover that the Police Department caused the death of an innocent man!
Act I, Scene II
SUPERINTENDENT:
Your honour, there must be a misunderstanding here. It wasn't me who did the entrance, it was one of my officers...
[...]
SPORTS JACKET:
I think I should explain, your Honour, it was just one of those tricks of the trade that the police occasionally use, to put pressure on a subject to confess.
MANIAC:
Who asked your opinion? I was speaking with your superior! [...] And now, Superintendent, I'd like to see you doing that entrance.
SUPERINTENDENT:
Oh alright. It went more or less like this. Our anarchist suspect was sitting there, right where you're sitting now. My colleague – er, I mean, I – came in somewhat brusquely...
MANIAC:
Well done!
SUPERINTENDENT:
And I went for him!
Satirical Elements?
There are many satire techniques used in this play. The one that stands out the most is irony. Specifically, situational irony.
The Superintendent and the Sports Jacket treat the Maniac with respect, and follow his every command because they don't know that he is not really a judge. This creates humour, thus, satire.
Act I, Scene II
SPORTS JACKET:
Unless I've got this wrong...
SUPERINTENDENT:
Of course you've got it wrong... Leave this to me, Inspector...
SPORTS JACKET:
Certainly, sorry, sir...
SUPERINTENDENT:
I don't understand, your Honour, why you wanted to set us up like that...
MANIAC:
Set you up? Not at all, it was just one of the 'tricks of the trade' which we visiting judges also like to use every once in a while, in order to demonstrate to the police that such methods are uncivilised, not to mention criminal!
Questions to think/talk about:
What else does irony do, apart from create humour in the story?
Wit is also an important tool in satirical works. How does wit appear in the characterisation of the Maniac, and what role does it play in making this story satire?
Observe the second passage above. What do you think this satire is mocking? How is this further built upon?
What element of this story do you think makes it most satirical?