Black Humor/Comedy Or Dark Humor/Comedy

Dark Humor

. Black Humor/Comedy or Dark Humor/Comedy: o The subgenre of comedy and satire in which laughter arises from cynicism and skepticism. o Black humor is often a satire on the topic of death. o Jonathan Swift is generally regarded as the originator of the this subgenre; you might remember him as the guy who wrote that essay about eating babies (“A Modest Proposal”). o In black humor, topics and events that are usually regarded as taboo, specifically those related to death, are treated in an unusually humorous or satirical manner while retaining their seriousness. o The intent of black comedy, therefore, is often for the audience to experience both laughter and discomfort, sometimes simultaneously. o This always provocative form of comedy emphasizes three interrelated themes: . Man as beast. . The absurdity of the world. . The omnipresence of death. o While populism views human nature as inherently good and the world as rational, with life after death, black comedies typically make life out to be a cosmic joke. o At its essence, dark humor skewers society's most sacred serious subjects—especially death.

. Some of Mr. Ambrose’s favorite examples of dark humor: o As I Lay Dying (novel by William Faulkner) o Catch 22 (novel by Joseph Heller) o Choke (novel by Chuck Palahniuk, who also wrote Fight Club) o Fargo (film by the Coen brothers) o Hostel (film by Eli Roth) o Little Miss Sunshine (film by Michael Arndt) o “Kim” (song by Eminem) . Can you list any other examples of dark humor that you know?

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English 11 Honors: American Literature Mr. Ambrose Dark Humor

Dark Humor in Little Miss Sunshine View chapters 13 and 14 (“A Long Life” and “Never Give Up”). – 10 minutes In what ways does this scene demonstrate dark humor?

What other similarities to As I Lay Dying do you note in the film?

Dark Humor in As I Lay Dying How do the following scenes from As I Lay Dying demonstrate dark humor?

. Anse’s desire to get new teeth (chapter 9: Anse)

. Dr. Peabody’s visit to the Bundrens’ house (chapter 11: Peabody)

. Vardaman’s drilling holes in the coffin (chapter 16: Tull)

English 11 Honors: American Literature Mr. Ambrose