Definition- entertainment that is amusing, the humorous aspects of a situation or work of art
My Definition of the genre
Comedy is a tricky thing, there are many types of comedy: slapstick, dark humour, cheeky and the general comedy that is life.
It is easy to read and very difficult to write.
Whatever style of comedy it may be, in order for it to be funny it must usually contain an element of truth.
A good comedy book doesn’t necessarily have to have you doubled up with laughter, it can be amusing in a thought provoking fashion, something that has you tittering “ironically”.
I do like a good giggle (who doesn’t?) and although I would read something that that was just pure giggle in book form, I do prefer something that’s engaging as well as funny.
Something can be made funnier if it’s true to life and has a plot and subtext, rather than just being silly.
That’s where comedy authors have their work cut out, there’s a fine line being funny and silly.
If it’s just comedy for the sake of being funny it tends to grate and I end up being more irritated than entertained.
I feel the same way about slapstick comedy, I just don’t find it funny, but perhaps that’s just me.
Dark humour (originally referred to as Gallows humour) on the other hand is a law unto itself.
It’s a form comedy that contains very little in the way of actual humour.
The only reason you would laugh is because the situation is so bad that it’s almost funny. Gallows humour is hard to put a finger on, simply because it’s not always easy to see the humorous element, but it can be quite effective when it comes to sympathising with a character who is in dire straits.
In the end as long as you end up laughing it’s all gravy.
A small sample of “comedy” (apologies for lack of actual humour, but this is supposed to be a challenge.)
Slapstick- (I know I’m being stereotypical here, I’m sure there’s an art to slapstick comedy but to me this is slapstick summed up.)
Marty hits Jack with a custard pie. Jack falls over in an amusing fashion and is somehow unhurt. Everybody laughs.
Laugh Out Loud Comedy
Jerry thought the way the government operates must be fairly similar to the operations of a sewerage works.
“Fills with shit, filters the excrement, buries the evidence and shows public the clean water.”
Dark humour
Ever get those moments in life where you really should have said No? As Ellis nursed his black eye, he was haunted by all of those moments where he should have said no. No pudding thank you, I’ve eaten enough. No drink than you I’m drunk enough. No you’re very pretty darling but I’m happily married and you’re a hitman’s daughter.
His black eye had come from the hitman, the barrel of the gun that swam into view was being wielded by his wife.
My suggestion.
Douglas Adam’s Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
It’ll make you laugh, it probably won’t make you cry, it might change your life.
Question.
What makes you laugh the most?
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