2 Humor in Literature and Art
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2.1 Satire
📖 The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of literature and art.
“Satire is a sort of glass, wherein beholders do generally discover everybody’s face but their own.”
— Jonathan Swift, The Works of Jonathan Swift (1768)
People are quick to recognize satire directed at others, but they fail to see its relevance to themselves.
“The only way to avoid being a target of satire is to become so small that you are beneath contempt.”
— Kurt Vonnegut, Breakfast of Champions (1973)
The only way to escape satire is to be insignificant.
“A satirist is someone who specializes in pointing out the open sores of society with his finger–and then dipping his finger into them, with relish.”
— Malcolm Bradbury, The History of the Novel (1990)
Satirists revel in exposing the flaws and shortcomings of society.
“Satire is a weapon used to ridicule and expose the foolishness and corruption of individuals or society.”
— Juvenal, Satires (100)
Satire is a tool for criticizing and mocking the absurdity and corruption in society.
“A satirical work is like a mirror in which everyone sees everyone else’s face–but not his own.”
— Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux, L’Art poetique (1674)
Satire reflects the flaws and shortcomings of others, while often blinding individuals to their own faults.
“Satire is a sort of glass, wherein beholders do generally discover everybody’s face but their own.”
— Jonathan Swift, The Works of Jonathan Swift (1768)
People are quick to recognize satire directed at others, but they fail to see its relevance to themselves.
“The only way to avoid being a target of satire is to become so small that you are beneath contempt.”
— Kurt Vonnegut, Breakfast of Champions (1973)
The only way to escape satire is to be insignificant.
“Satire is a sort of glass, wherein beholders do generally discover everybody’s face but their own.”
— Jonathan Swift, The Works of Jonathan Swift (1768)
People are quick to recognize satire directed at others, but they fail to see its relevance to themselves.
“Satire is a sort of glass, wherein beholders do generally discover everybody’s face but their own.”
— Jonathan Swift, The Works of Jonathan Swift (1768)
People are quick to recognize satire directed at others, but they fail to see its relevance to themselves.
“Satire is the only genre that allows a writer to get away with murder.”
— Ezra Pound, The Cantos (1917)
Satire provides writers with a license to criticize and attack without fear of serious consequences.
“A satirist is a man who has discovered that a single roguery, being well examined, is the total of all roguery.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, Essays: First Series (1841)
Satirists expose the pervasive nature of dishonesty and corruption by delving into a single instance of wrongdoing.
“The satirist’s lot is a hard one: he must walk on a tightrope between truth and libel.”
— P.G. Wodehouse, Money in the Bank (1942)
Satirists face the challenge of balancing truth and criticism while avoiding legal consequences.
“The only way to destroy a bad idea is to replace it with a good one.”
— Baltasar Gracian, The Art of Worldly Wisdom (1647)
The most effective way to counter negative or harmful ideas is to replace them with positive and constructive alternatives.
“The most effective way to destroy a bad idea is to replace it with a good one.”
— Baltasar Gracian, The Art of Worldly Wisdom (1647)
The most effective way to counter negative or harmful ideas is to replace them with positive and constructive alternatives.
“The most effective way to destroy a bad idea is to replace it with a good one.”
— Baltasar Gracian, The Art of Worldly Wisdom (1647)
The most effective way to counter negative or harmful ideas is to replace them with positive and constructive alternatives.
2.2 Parody
📖 A humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature, art, or music.
“Without humor, life is a long funeral procession.”
— James Neal Harvey, Quoted in Great Quotations by George Seldes (1966)
Humor is essential for coping with the difficulties of life.
“Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.”
— Lord Byron, Quoted in Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations (1855)
Laughter has therapeutic benefits and can help to improve one’s mood.
“Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.”
— Mark Twain, Following the Equator (1897)
Humor has the power to dissolve tension and negativity, replacing them with positivity and joy.
“I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.”
— Lily Tomlin, And That’s the Truth (1976)
This humorous quote reflects on the importance of setting clear and specific goals in life.
“I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.”
— Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1979)
This humorous quote pokes fun at the stress and pressure often associated with deadlines.
“I think that if you don’t laugh at yourself, you’ll never survive.”
— Audrey Hepburn, Interview with Barbara Walters (1989)
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-deprecating humor as a coping mechanism for dealing with life’s challenges.
“A laugh is a smile that bursts.”
— Mary H. Waldrip, Best Loved Poems (1974)
This short and sweet quote captures the infectious and uplifting nature of laughter.
“If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt, This Is My Story (1937)
This quote highlights the importance of unpredictability and spontaneity in life, which often leads to humorous and unexpected situations.
“The world is a comedy to those that think, a tragedy to those that feel.”
— Horace Walpole, Letter to Horace Mann (1770)
This quote suggests that one’s perspective on life, whether comedic or tragic, is largely determined by their intellectual and emotional responses to it.
“‘Live each day as if it’s your last’ is the motto of people who have never had to clean their bathroom.”
— Robert Brault, rbrault.blogspot.com (2000)
This humorous quote pokes fun at the unrealistic and impractical nature of the saying ‘Live each day as if it’s your last.’
“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.”
— Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere’s Fan (1892)
This witty quote humorously contrasts the positive and negative impacts that different people can have on those around them.
“I’m not a vegetarian because I love animals; I’m a vegetarian because I hate plants.”
— A. Whitney Brown, The Alternate Route (2009)
This humorous quote offers a tongue-in-cheek explanation for choosing a vegetarian lifestyle, playing on the common misconception that vegetarians are motivated solely by animal welfare concerns.
“I’m afraid for the calendar. Its days are numbered.”
— George Carlin, Brain Droppings (1997)
This humorous quote uses wordplay to create a clever observation about the inevitable passage of time.
“Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.”
— Mark Twain, Following the Equator (1897)
This heartwarming quote suggests that wrinkles, often seen as signs of aging, can also be viewed as evidence of a life well-lived and filled with laughter.
“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
— Mark Twain, Following the Equator (1897)
This humorous quote plays on the common saying ‘mind over matter’ to suggest that one’s attitude towards aging can have a significant impact on how it is experienced.
“I can resist everything except temptation.”
— Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere’s Fan (1892)
This witty quote humorously acknowledges the difficulty of resisting temptation, particularly when it comes to things that are pleasurable or desirable.
“If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.”
— Malcolm X, Interview with Playboy (1963)
This powerful quote highlights the role that media can play in shaping public opinion and perpetuating unjust systems, often by vilifying the victims and glorifying the oppressors.
“The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.”
— Paul Valery, Tel Quel (1941)
This humorous quote offers a tongue-in-cheek reminder that dreams, while valuable and inspiring, require action and effort in order to become reality.
“I don’t believe in astrology; I’m a Sagittarius and we’re skeptical.”
— Arthur C. Clarke, Profiles of the Future (1962)
This humorous quote pokes fun at the notion of astrology and playfully suggests that even those who are supposedly skeptical can fall prey to its allure.
2.3 Irony
📖 The expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
“Without an enemy, you are deprived of your most trustworthy friend, since a friend helps you through your dark times and an enemy through his hatred.”
— Karl Kraus, Sayings of Mankind (1909)
A friend helps in tough times, while an enemy helps by keeping you alert and motivated.
“There’s no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision, and who decides as often as he doubts.”
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship (1794)
Indecisive people are often unhappy and unable to commit to anything.
“A witty saying proves nothing.”
— Voltaire, Candide (1759)
Clever remarks don’t provide evidence or proof.
“The world is a comedy to those that think, a tragedy to those that feel.”
— Horace Walpole, Letter to Horace Mann (1770)
Intellectuals see the world’s absurdity, while emotional people see its suffering.
“Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot.”
— Charlie Chaplin, Limelight (1952)
Life’s struggles and challenges seem more significant when encountered directly, but less so when viewed from a broader perspective.
“There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.”
— Albert Schweitzer, Out of My Life and Thought (1933)
Music and cats provide solace and comfort during difficult times.
“He was a man of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy.”
— William Shakespeare, Hamlet (1603)
Describes someone with a playful and humorous nature.
“Life is mostly froth and bubble.”
— John Keats, Odes (1819)
Life is often fleeting and insubstantial.
“The world is a rose. Smell it while you can.”
— Richard Dehmel, Aber die Liebe (1893)
An exhortation to enjoy life’s pleasures while they last.
“Life is too important to be taken seriously.”
— Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest (1895)
Wilde’s witty observation on the futility of taking life too seriously.
“The human race is divided into two classes: those who go ahead and do something, and those who sit and let it happen.”
— Thomas Sowell, A Conflict of Visions (1987)
Commentary on the dichotomy between proactive and reactive individuals.
“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”
— Thomas Jefferson, Letter to John Adams (1813)
Jefferson’s belief that hard work is often rewarded by good fortune.
“A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman’s birthday but never remembers her age.”
— Robert Frost, Selected Letters (1964)
Frost’s humorous definition of a diplomat’s etiquette.
“I’m not a complete idiot, some parts are missing.”
— John Lennon, Interview with Rolling Stone (1971)
Lennon’s self-deprecating remark on his intelligence.
“A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don’t need it.”
— Bob Hope, The Road to Morocco (1942)
Hope’s humorous observation on the irony of banks’ lending practices.
“If you’re going to do something tonight that you’ll be sorry for tomorrow morning, sleep late.”
— Henny Youngman, Stand-up comedy routine (1950)
Youngman’s witty advice on avoiding regret.
“Love is blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener.”
— Unknown, Folk saying (Unknown)
Marriage reveals the realities and challenges of a romantic relationship.
“He who laughs last, thinks slowest.”
— Unknown, Folk saying (Unknown)
A humorous observation on the delayed reactions of some individuals.
“The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.”
— Paul Valéry, Selected Writings (1950)
A playful reminder that dreams can only be realized through action.
2.4 Deadpan
📖 A type of humor characterized by a deliberately serious and unimpressed manner, often used to create a comic effect.
“I stopped looking for a book that would save my life, and started writing one.”
— Augusten Burroughs, A Wolf at the Table (2008)
Burroughs’ humorous take on finding hope and healing through writing.
“I’m not a vegetarian, but I eat rabbit food every day.”
— Rodney Dangerfield, Stand-up Comedy Routine (1980)
Dangerfield’s deadpan self-deprecating humor about his eating habits.
“I’m not anti-social, I’m just not pro-people.”
— Charles Bukowski, Notes of a Dirty Old Man (1969)
Bukowski’s humorous and cynical take on his dislike of social interactions.
“I’m like a bird, I don’t know how to fly, but I flap my wings and hope for the best.”
— Mitch Hedberg, Stand-up Comedy Routine (1998)
Hedberg’s deadpan observation about his lack of flying skills.
“Life is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get.”
— Forrest Gump, Forrest Gump (1994)
Forrest Gump’s famous quote about the unpredictability of life.
“I’m so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I’m saying.”
— Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere’s Fan (1892)
Wilde’s witty observation about his own intelligence.
“I’m a man of few words. I’m a man of action.”
— Clint Eastwood, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Eastwood’s deadpan delivery of this line adds to its humorous effect.
“I’m not a complete idiot, some parts are missing.”
— Groucho Marx, Animal Crackers (1930)
Marx’s self-deprecating humor about his intelligence.
“I’m not sure if I’m awake or dreaming. I’m not sure if I’m alive or dead.”
— Samuel Beckett, Waiting for Godot (1953)
Beckett’s existential humor about the uncertainty of existence.
“I’m not afraid of dying, I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”
— Woody Allen, Annie Hall (1977)
Allen’s humorous take on the fear of death.
“I’m not lost, I’m just geographically challenged.”
— Charley Harper, Charley Harper’s Birds and Words (1977)
Harper’s humorous way of describing getting lost.
“I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.”
— Michael Scott, The Office (2005)
Michael Scott’s humorous take on superstition.
“I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV.”
— Alan Alda, MASH* (1972)
Alda’s humorous line about his character’s medical expertise.
“I’m not a vegetarian, because I eat animals. I’m a carnivore.”
— Steven Wright, Stand-up Comedy Routine (1985)
Wright’s deadpan take on the definition of vegetarianism.
“I’m not a pessimist, I’m just a realist. And I’m not an optimist either.”
— George Carlin, Stand-up Comedy Routine (1984)
Carlin’s humorous outlook on life, avoiding both pessimism and optimism.
“I’m not a mind reader, but I play one on TV.”
— Patrick Jane, The Mentalist (2008)
Jane’s humorous response to being called a mind reader.
“I’m not a rocket scientist, but I play one on TV.”
— Mayim Bialik, The Big Bang Theory (2007)
Bialik’s humorous take on her character’s intelligence.
“I’m not sure what I’m doing, but I’m doing it really well.”
— Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation (2009)
Knope’s humorous admission of her uncertainty and confidence.
“I’m not a doctor, but I know a good doctor when I see one. And you’re not one.”
— Gregory House, House, M.D. (2004)
House’s deadpan insult to a colleague’s medical expertise.
2.5 Black Comedy
📖 A type of comedy that deals with morbid or macabre subjects in a humorous way.
“Life is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.”
— Horace Walpole, The Mysterious Mother (1768)
Life’s humorous side is only apparent to those who approach it intellectually rather than emotionally.
“Tragedy is when I cut my finger. Comedy is when you fall into an open sewer and die.”
— Mel Brooks, Young Frankenstein (1974)
The distinction between tragedy and comedy lies in the beholder’s perspective.
“Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious.”
— Peter Ustinov, The Guardian (1969)
Comedy effectively conveys serious messages through humor.
“A man goes to the doctor. His doctor says, ‘You’re hypochondriac.’ The man replies, ‘Yes, but what’s wrong with me?’”
— Woody Allen, Without Feathers (1975)
Black comedy often uses irony and absurdity to humorous effect.
“Life is a funeral and we are all mourners.”
— David Mamet, Glengarry Glen Ross (1984)
Black comedy may employ dark or morbid themes to evoke laughter.
“Tragedy is a close-up, comedy is a long shot.”
— Orson Welles, The Third Man (1949)
Black comedy takes a broader perspective on life’s absurdities, finding humor in misfortune.
“Where’s the fun in living if you don’t have a few enemies?”
— Patrick Suskind, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (1985)
Black comedy often explores society’s darker aspects, finding humor in the grim realities of life.
“I’m not afraid of death; I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”
— Woody Allen, Annie Hall (1977)
Black comedy may deal with serious or taboo subjects in a humorous manner.
“He’s not dead, he’s resting.”
— Monty Python, Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Black comedy often uses irony and absurdity to create humorous situations.
“I like my coffee black - just like my soul.”
— Unknown, Internet (Unknown)
Black comedy often delves into the darker aspects of human nature, finding humor in life’s absurdities.
“I haven’t spoken to my wife in years. I didn’t want to interrupt her.”
— Rodney Dangerfield, Stand-up comedy routine (1980)
Black comedy may employ sarcasm and self-deprecating humor to evoke laughter.
“I’m glad I’m not one of those people who has to go to work every day.”
— Garfield, Garfield comic strip (1978)
Black comedy often finds humor in everyday struggles and mundane situations.
“Death is nature’s way of saying, ‘Your table is ready.’”
— Steve Martin, Stand-up comedy routine (1984)
Black comedy may use morbid humor to address serious topics.
“I’m not a complete idiot, some parts are missing.”
— Ronald Reagan, Speech to the National Press Club (1984)
Black comedy can use self-deprecating humor to make light of one’s own shortcomings.
“Insanity is just a state of mind.”
— Homer Simpson, The Simpsons (1989)
Black comedy often explores the boundaries of normality and sanity, finding humor in unconventional perspectives.
“I’m not anti-social, I’m just not social.”
— Michael Scott, The Office (2005)
Black comedy may delve into awkward or uncomfortable social situations, using humor to highlight their absurdity.
“I’m not saying I’m perfect, but I’m pretty damn close.”
— Dwight Schrute, The Office (2005)
Black comedy often uses irony and sarcasm to poke fun at human flaws and eccentricities.
“I’m so good at sleeping, I can do it with my eyes closed.”
— Mitch Hedberg, Stand-up comedy routine (2003)
Black comedy may employ absurdist humor to create unexpected and amusing scenarios.
“Life is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get.”
— Forrest Gump, Forrest Gump (1994)
Black comedy often uses irony and unpredictable twists to create humorous situations.