An Analysis of the Major Characteristics of American Black Humor Novels
/O L AN ANALYSIS OF THE MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS OF AMERICAN BLACK HUMOR NOVELS THESIS Presented to the Graduate Council of the North Texas State University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of MASTER OF ARTS By Alice C. Tyler, B. A. Denton, Texas May, 1974 Tyler, Alice C. , An Analy of_ the Major Characteristics of American Black Humor Novels, Master of Arts (English), May, 1974, 113 pp., bibliography, 57 titles. This thesis serves to classify Black Humor as a philosophy, which holds that the world is meaningless and absurd, and as a literary technique. Historical origins are discussed and the idea is related to a reflection of the middle-class syndrome of twentieth century man. Close philosophical and literary relatives are presented and a pure work is defined. Black Humor literary characteristics are described in terms of style, theme, plot, setting, chronology, and characteristic ending. Black Humor characters are classified as "non-heroes" divided into four categories. Prevalent use and treatment of traditional forbidden subjects of sex, defecation, money, violence, emotionlessness, religion, death, and "illogical" logic are stressed. In summary, Cat's Cradle is examined in light of the Black Humor characteristics described and found to be other than a pure Black Humor work. TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Page I. AN OVERVIEW OF BLACK HUMOR. ............. The Black Humor Philosophy The History of Black Humor Black Humor as a Literary Technique Philosophical Relatives to Black Humor Thesis Limitations in Discussing Black Humor II. BLACK HUMOR AND THE TRADITIONAL NOVEL ..... ........32 III. CHARACTERIZATION IN BLACK HUMOR NOVELS ............... 53 Types of Characters in Black Humor Novels IV.
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