What's So Funny? Theories of Comedy

What is comedy? Why do we laugh? What makes something funny? These are questions that have puzzled philosophers, psychologists, and comedians for centuries. In this book, we will explore some of the major theories of comedy and try to answer these questions.

There are many different theories of comedy, but they can be broadly divided into two categories: superiority theories and relief theories.

Superiority theories argue that we laugh at things that make us feel superior to others. For example, we might laugh at someone who trips and falls because it makes us feel better about our own clumsiness.

What's So Funny? Theories of Comedy

by Stephen Hoover

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	782 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	145 pages
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Relief theories argue that we laugh when we are suddenly relieved of tension or anxiety. For example, we might laugh at a joke that makes us realize that our fears are unfounded.

There is no one right theory of comedy. Different theories can explain different types of humor. For example, superiority theories might be better at explaining why we laugh at jokes that make fun of others, while relief theories might be better at explaining why we laugh at jokes that make us feel better about ourselves.

So, what makes something funny? It is a complex question that has no easy answer. However, there are some general factors that can make something more likely to be funny.

• Surprise: We are more likely to laugh at something that is unexpected or surprising.
• Incongruity: We are more likely to laugh at something that is incongruous or out of place.
• Ambiguity: We are more likely to laugh at something that is ambiguous or open to interpretation.
• Exaggeration: We are more likely to laugh at something that is exaggerated or over-the-top.
• Catharsis: We are more likely to laugh at something that allows us to release tension or anxiety.

Of course, not all things that are surprising, incongruous, ambiguous, exaggerated, or cathartic are funny. But these factors can increase the likelihood that something will be perceived as funny.

Comedy is a complex and fascinating phenomenon. There is no one right theory of comedy, and what makes something funny can vary from person to person. However, by understanding some of the major theories of comedy, we can gain a better appreciation for the art of making people laugh.

• Theories of Humor
• Theories of Comedy
• What's So Funny? Theories of Comedy

What's So Funny? Theories of Comedy

by Stephen Hoover

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	782 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	145 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE