A man who fails is funny... if my sketches teach anything, it is that, for the male, sex is a snare and a delusion. What's so corrupting about that?

The quote "A man who fails is funny... if my sketches teach anything, it is that, for the male, sex is a snare and a delusion. What's so corrupting about that?" by Benny Hill reflects his comedic approach to portraying the absurdity of male behavior, particularly in relation to sex and relationships. Hill suggests that failure, especially when it comes to sexual pursuits, is inherently humorous because it highlights the gap between the man’s intentions and the reality of the situation. His humor often came from the ridiculousness of his characters’ attempts to seduce or engage with women, which frequently ended in failure.

Hill’s statement also critiques the way men view sex—as something that is elusive, misleading, or unattainable. By calling it a "snare and a delusion," Hill points to the way male desires and expectations about sex are often misguided or unrealistic. This framing of male sexuality as a humorous, almost tragic pursuit is a recurring theme in his sketches, where the male characters’ overconfidence and delusional behavior are often played for laughs.

The humor in Hill’s work comes from the failure of his male characters to achieve their goals, particularly in relation to sex. These characters often try too hard or misunderstand the dynamics of relationships, which leads to comedic outcomes. Hill’s quote suggests that there is nothing particularly harmful or corrupting about this portrayal—it's simply a comedic observation of how men can be consumed by desires that are, in the end, often empty or unattainable.

Ultimately, Benny Hill’s quote highlights his belief in the absurdity of male behavior, especially when it comes to sexual pursuits. His sketches often used failure and delusion as tools to explore the comedic side of human nature, where the gap between intention and reality provides humor. Hill’s approach to comedy also reflects a critique of societal views on sex, showing that the pursuit of these desires, when viewed through a humorous lens, is often far more about failure and self-deception than success.