One of the most iconic comedy sketches from the British sitcom “The Two Ronnies” is the “fork handles” sketch. This sketch, starring Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett, has become timeless and beloved by fans around the world. However, despite its popularity, the ending of the sketch has left many viewers scratching their heads.
In the sketch, Barker’s character enters a hardware store and asks for “fork handles”. Corbett, who is working in the store, misunderstands and hands him four candles instead. This leads to a hilarious and witty dialogue between the two comedians, with wordplay and puns galore.
Throughout the sketch, the misunderstanding between “fork handles” and “four candles” is played upon, creating a comedic tension that builds up to the climax. However, it is the ending of the sketch that has left viewers puzzled. After a hilarious back and forth, the sketch abruptly ends with Barker’s character leaving the store without getting what he wanted.
This open-ended conclusion has sparked various theories and interpretations among fans. Some believe that the ending is symbolic, representing the futility of communication and the absurdity of everyday misunderstandings. Others see it as a clever way to subvert expectations and leave the audience wanting more.
Despite the confusion surrounding the ending, one thing is clear: the “fork handles” sketch has secured its place in comedy history. Its clever wordplay, brilliant performances, and unforgettable characters have made it a timeless masterpiece that continues to entertain audiences to this day.
The Mysterious Ending
The ending of “Fork Handles” has long baffled fans and sparked countless theories and discussions. The sketch, written and performed by the legendary comedy duo, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, is considered one of their most iconic and hilarious sketches.
In the sketch, a customer, played by Peter Cook, enters a hardware store and asks for “fork handles”, a simple request that quickly escalates into confusion and chaos. The storekeeper, played by Dudley Moore, mishears the request as “four candles” and brings out a set of four candles, much to the customer’s dismay.
Despite the customer’s repeated attempts to clarify his request, the storekeeper continues to bring out unrelated items, such as “o’s” instead of “hose” and “peas” instead of “plugs”. The back-and-forth banter between the characters and the escalating misunderstandings provide the comedic foundation of the sketch.
As the sketch nears its end, the customer finally gives up and asks for “handles for forks”. However, instead of resolving the confusion and delivering the requested item, the storekeeper unexpectedly brings out a set of garden tools.
This unexpected twist in the ending adds another layer of absurdity and leaves viewers wondering about the true meaning behind it. Some interpret it as a commentary on the breakdown of communication and understanding, while others see it as a clever play on words and misunderstandings.
Regardless of its deeper meaning, the ending of “Fork Handles” remains a memorable and beloved moment in comedy history. Its timeless humor and brilliant performances continue to entertain audiences and inspire future generations of comedians.
Interpreting the Symbolism
The ending of the “Fork Handles” sketch can be interpreted in a few different ways, with many viewers finding underlying symbolism and meaning behind the seemingly simple punchline. Here are a few possible interpretations:
1. The Frustration of Miscommunication
One interpretation is that the sketch illustrates the frustration that can arise from miscommunication. Throughout the sketch, Ronnie Barker’s character, a hardware store clerk, continuously misunderstands the customer’s request for “fork handles” as “four candles.” This misinterpretation creates confusion and frustration for both characters, highlighting the difficulty and potential pitfalls of communication.
2. The Absurdity of Everyday Life
Another interpretation is that the sketch is a commentary on the absurdity of everyday life. The fact that the entire sketch revolves around a simple misunderstanding over an everyday item like a pair of fork handles emphasizes the humor in the mundane. It highlights how easily misunderstandings and mix-ups can occur in our everyday interactions, ultimately portraying life as a series of absurd and comical moments.
To further support this interpretation, the sketch is filled with exaggerated gestures and physical comedy, adding to the overall sense of absurdity.
3. The Power of Language
A third interpretation is that the sketch explores the power of language and the importance of clear communication. By misunderstanding the customer’s request, the hardware store clerk ends up providing candles instead of fork handles. This illustrates how the words we use and how we interpret them can have significant consequences and lead to misunderstandings and mistakes.
The sketch serves as a reminder to choose our words carefully and to ensure that our message is being understood correctly.
| Interpretation | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The Frustration of Miscommunication | Illustrates the frustration that can arise from miscommunication |
| The Absurdity of Everyday Life | Commentary on the absurdity of everyday life and the humor in the mundane |
| The Power of Language | Explores the importance of clear communication and the consequences of misinterpretation |
Theories and Speculations
Due to the ambiguous nature of the ending of the “Fork Handles” sketch, there have been numerous theories and speculations regarding its meaning. Here are some of the most popular interpretations:
1. Misunderstanding or Miscommunication
One theory suggests that the confusion between “fork handles” and “four candles” was simply a result of miscommunication or a misunderstanding between the customer and the shopkeeper. This interpretation implies that there was no intentional humor or deeper meaning behind the sketch.
2. Clever Wordplay
Another theory posits that the ending was a clever display of wordplay by the writers. According to this interpretation, the shopkeeper intentionally pretended not to understand the customer’s request in order to create comedic tension and play with the words “fork handles” and “four candles.” This theory suggests that the humor lies in the unexpected twist of the shopkeeper’s response.
3. Commentary on Customer Service
Some viewers see the ending as a commentary on the challenges of customer service and the frustration that can arise when a customer’s needs are not understood or met properly. This interpretation highlights the difficulties faced by both customers and service providers in effectively communicating and resolving issues.
4. Absurdity and Nonsense
Another interpretation is that the ending represents the absurd and nonsensical nature of comedy. According to this theory, the lack of a coherent resolution is intentionally designed to challenge traditional storytelling conventions and create a comedic effect through the unexpected and irrational outcome.
Ultimately, the true meaning behind the ending of the “Fork Handles” sketch may vary based on individual interpretations and personal sense of humor. Regardless of the intended meaning, the sketch has become a classic piece of comedy that continues to entertain audiences.
