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analyzing humor in fiction
I've been thinking about how to go about this, and it occurs to me that I might try to do it the same way I analyzed sex scenes. So I'm going to compile a list of scenes from novels that made me laugh, or that were supposed to make me laugh and didn't. Then I'll try to see what elements they have in common -- drawing in part on the model set up by Scott Adams for cartoons.
My purpose here is not to look at novels that are primarily comedic in approach, but at comedy used in small ways to achieve a certain effect. The first scene that comes to mind is from Russo's Straight Man, so I'll put that on the list. If you would like to suggest a short(ish) scene from a novel for its comedic effect (or lack of effect) please put that in the comments.
I expect it will take some time to put this all together. Probably in January I'll start posting on the subject.
On another topic entirely: there's a great post over at Booksquare about publishers who don't realize the importance of readers.
December 19, 2005 01:25 PM
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Comments
I can't remember specific scenes, but the last (and probably only!) book that's ever made me laugh out loud is Connie Willis' "To Say Nothing Of The Dog".
Posted by: Alison at December 20, 2005 02:16 AM
Which scene from Straight Man? There are so many. I love that book.
For severe laughter, I love several scenes in A Prayer For Owen Meany - specifically, the one where he's trapped under the dorm bed while the married couple have sex ("Stupid hardness. Stupid wetness!") and the nativity play, the description of all the players gathered round the Little Lord Jesus.
Also: David Sedaris. There's so much to choose from, but in Me Talk Pretty One Day, the bit about the Easter Bell had me in tears, I was laughing so hard.
I could think of dozens more, but I gotta run.
Posted by: Beth at December 20, 2005 06:01 AM
I do not have suggestions for scenes.
Instead, I thought I'd tell you that your post has got me thinking about how Scott Adams 6 things applies to humor in blogging. I originally started reading certain blogs because of their ability to tell a funny story and the laughter they evoked. This got me thinking about what made those stories funny and what made others by the same blogger fall flat or leave even a bad taste in my mouth.
In this particular case it came down to nastiness/meanness or what Scott has called 'cruelty.' It may be funny to poke fun at yourself, because then there is no one to take offense... but poke fun at a certain demographic, profession, or group of people, and what can be funny to some, may make me wince. It might be funny to make a lawyer joke, unless you are a lawyer and are tired of being the fall guy. It might be funny to make fun of Rednecks, unless you consider yourself one, that sort of thing.
I think that humor in storytelling is very different than humor in blogging. Believe me, I'm not trying to say they are the same at all. I just thought you might want to know that you got me thinking about it.
Posted by: Danielle at December 20, 2005 07:19 AM