In one of the things I'm reading of late and will probably FFB, Harold Bloom wonders in a PARIS REVIEW interview if humor isn't more akin to religion, the study of it to theology, than it is to something that can be rationally analyzed. I think this checklist isn't too far wrong, but Bloom isn't too far wrong, either.
Though the checklist twice approaches without actually citing surprise, which isn't necessary for laughter, but often helps. Of course, anticipation of where a joke is going can still be, or at least not diminish, what's funny as well...
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In one of the things I'm reading of late and will probably FFB, Harold Bloom wonders in a PARIS REVIEW interview if humor isn't more akin to religion, the study of it to theology, than it is to something that can be rationally analyzed. I think this checklist isn't too far wrong, but Bloom isn't too far wrong, either.
Though the checklist twice approaches without actually citing surprise, which isn't necessary for laughter, but often helps. Of course, anticipation of where a joke is going can still be, or at least not diminish, what's funny as well...
I agree that this was a better-than-usual list. I also agree about surprise. It often works very well.
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