Thesis on "Theories of Humor"

Thesis 4 pages (1143 words) Sources: 1+

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Humor

There are four major schools of humor theory with varying aspects that are necessary to forms of humor. Theorists, including Plato, have long been arguing the validity of each theory and its relationship to humor. The Incongruity theory offers a functional explanation to what humans find funny while Relief and Play theories focus mainly on the function of humor as it relates to human life. Superiority theory explains the feelings necessary for humor to exist and the reasons behind what we find funny.

SUMMARY of THEORIES

The Superiority Theory states that all humor involves a feeling of superiority. Plato in Philebus argues that ignorance is something we would rather live without but when found in someone else as a character defect can be considered very funny (Plato).

Hobbes theory of superiority states that we find humor in seeing how we are superior to others or find humor in something we have overcome that the comic hasn't yet.

Robert Solomon offers another take on the Superiority Theory: The Three Stooges is characteristic of a source of humor based on inferiority of modesty rather than superiority (Solomon)

Rather than comparing our current with our former inferior selves, Solomon sees the ability to not take yourself seriously, or to see yourself as not perfect, as a source of modesty and compassion (Solomon).

Frances Hutchison points out that we can feel superior to many things without thinking that they are humorous. Take animals for example: when dogs and monkeys are crafty or ingenious, it sometimes makes us happy. When they are not and act as a subspecies, it does not (Hutchison).

It's easy to confirm that what we currently find funny is often times fueled by feelings of superiority. Modern day television shows have found great comedic success by using the theory of superiority include the Three Stooges and the animated hit show Family Guy (Solomon).

The Relief Theory is different from the Superiority Theory in that it attempts to explain humor in regards to releasing tension, excitement or stress. It doesn't define humor, but rather explains the process that produces laughter. It claims that laughter is a result of the release of excessive energy.

As explained by Herbert Spencer, stress, excitement or general agitation produces energy that humans must release somehow. He argues that excitement is shown and expelled through laughter. Nervous laughter is one example of energy being expelled in this manner. The build up of excitement or nervous energy is released through laughter thus providing relief (Spencer).

Stand up comedians often use the build up of stories to gather interest and excitement. The audience waits for the conclusion or punch line. The comic then delivers the punch line and the audience releases its built up pressure through laughter.

Unlike the Relief Theory of humor, the incongruity theory is the main theory of humor and accounts for most cases of humor.

Aristotle presents the earliest glimmer of an Incongruity Theory of humor by stating that the best way to get an audience to react is by setting them up and delivering something that adds a twist to the ending. Modern day television programs like Seinfeld provide the viewer with either a play on words or a situational outcome that is completely different from what they expected. The use of incongruity often culminates in situations that are unexpected and therefore humorous to the audience.

Surprise also plays a role in the… READ MORE

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