Question

Why does Kaufman decide to have his characters act in a calm way even in the face of a crisis? What purpose does this serve? Is there a connection between this characterization and the plot?

Answer 1

In his play The Still Alarm, Kaufman uses understatement liberally. He mocks the excessively stiff and proper mannerisms of British society by having the characters in the play converse in a calm manner even as the hotel that they are in has caught fire:

BELLBOY: The hotel is on fire.

ED: This hotel?

BELLBOY: Yes, sir.

BOB: Well—is it bad?

BELLBOY: It looks pretty bad, sir.

ED: You mean it's going to burn down?

BELLBOY: We think so—yes, sir.

BOB (A low whistle of surprise): Well! We'd better leave.

BELLBOY: Yes, sir.

BOB: Going to burn down, huh?

BELLBOY: Yes, sir. If you'll step to the window you'll see. (Bob goes to R. window.)

BOB: Yes, that is pretty bad. H'm. (To Ed). I say, you really ought to see this—

Kaufman’s use of understatement demonstrates that British society can be standoffish, unmoved, and impassive, irrespective of the situation. For example, by having the characters in the play converse in a calm manner, even as they risk being trapped in the fire, Kaufman mocks British society’s excessively stiff and proper mannerisms. Bob’s calm reaction is amusing, as he is unaffected by the fire and is in no hurry to get outside the burning building safely and unscathed, which is not what anyone would consider a normal reaction to such a situation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sample answer from edmentum

Answer 2

in his play the still alarm kaufman uses understatement liberally he mocks the excessively and proper british society by having the characters in the play converse in a calm manner