Humor

Definition

Humor refers to the quality of being amusing, often expressed through wit, irony, or exaggeration. It serves as a tool for social commentary and can provide relief from tension, making complex themes more accessible. In literature, especially in the works of certain playwrights, humor becomes a means to explore human behavior and societal norms while entertaining the audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ben Jonson often employed humor in his plays to critique society and highlight human follies, making his work both entertaining and thought-provoking.
2. In Jonson's comedies, humor is frequently intertwined with character development, allowing audiences to connect with exaggerated traits that reflect real human behaviors.
3. Jonson's use of humor often relies on satire to expose societal issues such as greed, hypocrisy, and moral corruption.
4. The structure of Jonson's plays often incorporates comedic elements that lead to resolutions where social order is restored, highlighting the moral lessons behind the humor.
5. Jonson's characters frequently embody specific comedic archetypes, such as the fool or the rogue, which serve to enhance the humorous aspects of the narrative.

Review Questions

• How does Jonson utilize humor in his works to comment on societal norms?
  • Jonson employs humor as a means of social commentary by crafting characters and scenarios that reflect exaggerated human behaviors. His use of satire allows him to critique societal norms such as greed and hypocrisy while keeping the audience entertained. Through comedic situations, he invites viewers to laugh at these flaws, prompting reflection on their relevance in real life.
• In what ways does Jonson's characterization contribute to the humor found in his plays?
  • Jonson's characterization plays a crucial role in creating humor by establishing distinct archetypes that amplify comedic situations. Characters like the pompous fool or the cunning rogue are designed with exaggerated traits that not only entertain but also offer insight into human nature. This approach allows audiences to recognize their own societal roles while enjoying the absurdities presented on stage.
• Evaluate how Jonson's comedic elements shape the overall themes of his works, particularly regarding morality and social order.
  • Jonson's use of comedic elements intricately shapes the themes of morality and social order throughout his works. By employing humor in conjunction with serious societal critiques, he crafts narratives where laughter leads to deeper insights about human behavior and ethics. The resolution of comedic plots often restores social order, reinforcing moral lessons while allowing audiences to engage with complex themes through a lens of amusement.

Related terms

Satire: A literary genre that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize and ridicule individuals, institutions, or societal norms.

Wit: A form of intelligent humor characterized by the quick and inventive verbal expression of ideas, often involving puns or clever remarks.

Comedy:

A genre of literature and performance that aims to entertain and amuse through humorous situations, characters, and dialogues.