The overstatement understatement have been perfected by teenagers. Lifting it out of Comedy into Middle or High Comedy requires some smarts. Here Barry uses incomparable comparisons, drawing a parallel between massive human tragedy and a light-hearted spring dance. That wasn’t enough, though. Nothing good happens in Stephen King novels–which gets us eagerly anticipating “what happensContinue reading “Comparing Incomparables”
Tag Archives: #MN
“…even though your head is shaped like an anvil…”
This was a fantastic back-handed compliment that uses both exaggeration and incongruity to get the laugh. Initially it’s hopeful. If delivered by an attractive and “ditsy blonde” character–it might actually be intended as a compliment. The dim-witted recipient might also believe it was a compliment. For the reader (of higher intelligence) we see the unintended,Continue reading ““…even though your head is shaped like an anvil…””
“Both legs were hanging down his back”
Bumbling crooks have long been a part of comedy. Two of the most iconic are probably Harry and Marv from the Home Alone movies. Yes, they’re dangerous, but they’re also dumb enough to for us (and Kevin) to stay one step ahead of them. Dave Barry offers two comparable crooks, Snake & Eddie, in BigContinue reading ““Both legs were hanging down his back””
“Oh, he’s fine…He’s a teenager.”
The response to “He’s fine…he’s a teenager” is “I’m sorry.” Those were some of the best and worst times . . . and as parents, we know there are some touch and go moments with teens in the house! Dave Barry’s line, “I’m sorry,” touches on some deeper reality, the heartfelt love and compassion foundContinue reading ““Oh, he’s fine…He’s a teenager.””
“And the intelligence of . . . “
One of my all time favorite descriptions of a dog was reading Patrick F. McManus’ description of the mangy family dog’s antics outside the dining room window while the family ate with their invited guest, the parish priest. I recall tears streaming down my face & I believe I was asked to leave the classroom.Continue reading ““And the intelligence of . . . “”
How loud is “loud enough to stun cattle?” And who would want to?
Exaggeration and Incongruity play an important part in writing funny. With this simple line, Dave Barry tells us about the character–whom we’ve all had pull up next to us in traffic–and he takes it to another humorous level. Sound systems and Stunning Cattle aren’t generally paired. With the right set-up, it’s a bizzarre exaggeration thatContinue reading “How loud is “loud enough to stun cattle?” And who would want to?”
“He had a nice efficient swing.”
When I taught film and theater, we spent considerable time evaluating, writing, and producing laughs using the “7 Causes of Laughter.” (You can find other sites and sources that will tell you there are six, or ten. I chose seven because it’s a nice even number.) Every list includes Exaggeration, Ambiguity, Recognition, and every juniorContinue reading ““He had a nice efficient swing.””
Alike in the way they’re different.
This was another simple and absurd description. When we draw parallels we frequently compare like things. Adams choosing to write “these two things are similar because their not” caught me pleasantly off guard. I’ve been looking for some funny books of late–the kind that make you laugh out loud. They’re hard to come by. ItContinue reading “Alike in the way they’re different.”
Some SRG Characters & Marketing Images
When I write, I always Googled for images of locations and people who I think resemble my characters. Then I print those images and stick them on a HUGE cork board as a reference during the process. (Curious if anyone else writes this way?) I did the same for Suddenly Rural Girl, our Christian YAContinue reading “Some SRG Characters & Marketing Images”
“Call me Eddie, if . . .”
We’re hurling toward death. Tension is high. Eddie remains calm, cool and collected. He’s comfortable with potential disaster, and he offers some of that calm to his fellow travelers. “Call me Eddie, if it will help you relax.” Absurdity and dry humor is alive and well in Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. I’ve been lookingContinue reading ““Call me Eddie, if . . .””
I wish I had a daughter, so …”
The Marx Brothers were masters at subtle and belittling humor. Often the recipients didn’t know they had been verbally assaulted. Here are a few examples: “I never forget a face, but in your case I’ll be glad to make an exception.” “You know, I’d buy you a parachute if I knew it wouldn’t open.” “RememberContinue reading “I wish I had a daughter, so …””
Forced Poetry Appreciation
Having read my share of bad poetry . . . I did laugh at this one. Imagining torture in the form of Poetry Appreciation, and tying the participants to their chairs is brilliant. Every junior high kid in a lit class has felt like those prisoners. I’ve been looking for some funny books of late–theContinue reading “Forced Poetry Appreciation”