Humor

Definition

Humor refers to the quality of being amusing, often through exaggeration, irony, or absurdity, which can provoke laughter or amusement. In literature, humor can serve various purposes such as critique, entertainment, and character development. It is a key element in many narrative forms, particularly in comedic genres like the fabliau, where it often involves playful storytelling that highlights human follies and societal norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chaucer's humor often emerges through clever wordplay and puns, showcasing his skillful manipulation of language.
2. In fabliaux, humor is frequently derived from the absurdity of situations and the follies of characters, engaging the audience with relatable themes.
3. Physical humor, such as slapstick or bodily gags, is common in the fabliau genre and is used to amplify comedic effect.
4. Chaucer employs irony to create humorous contrasts between characters' expectations and reality, enhancing the satire in his narratives.
5. Humor in Chaucer’s works often serves as a tool for social commentary, allowing him to critique societal norms and human behavior through laughter.

Review Questions

• How does Chaucer's use of language contribute to the humorous elements in his works?
  • Chaucer's adept use of language enhances the humor in his works by employing clever wordplay, puns, and rhythmic patterns that create a playful tone. His choice of colloquial language makes characters relatable while their exaggerated traits lead to comedic situations. This combination not only entertains but also serves as a vehicle for social commentary on the human condition and societal norms.
• In what ways does humor function as a characteristic of the fabliau genre and how does it reflect societal values?
  • In the fabliau genre, humor typically arises from absurd situations and the follies of characters, often highlighting human weaknesses like greed or lust. This type of humor allows authors to critique societal values by exaggerating characters' flaws or presenting ironic outcomes. The laughter provoked by these tales encourages audiences to reflect on their own behaviors while challenging societal norms through satire.
• Evaluate how Chaucer's use of humor in his narratives influences the reader's understanding of character motivations and societal critiques.
  • Chaucer's humor adds depth to character motivations by illuminating their desires and flaws in a way that makes them more relatable and complex. By infusing comedic elements into his narratives, he encourages readers to engage with characters on multiple levels—both sympathetically and critically. This dual approach helps reveal broader societal critiques by juxtaposing humor with serious themes, allowing readers to contemplate the consequences of human behavior in a more reflective manner.

Related terms

Satire: A literary genre that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock societal flaws and vices.

Irony: A rhetorical device or figure of speech where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often creating humorous or poignant effects.

Exaggeration: A statement that represents something as better or worse than it really is, often used in humor to create comedic effects.