The One About Humor


Three theories are used to explain comedy, but is explaining humor really that simple? One theory does not agree with the others. For example, the Incongruity Theory was invented to reject the previous notions brought about by the Superiority Theory. So, can we claim that all three exist in harmony with one another or does one theory more closely explain the essence of humor correctly?

In her blog, Alex brought up many great points about what theories could possibly explain why we are laughing. I especially agreed with how she explained the use of the Incongruity Theory and the Relief Theory. You do never know what is going to come out of Phoebe's mouth, and the absurdity, ridiculousness, and unexpectancy of the situation never fail to be hilarious. But, is it this incongruity, our inability to predict what she'll say, the reason why we find Phoebe's actions so funny? Yes, I believe it is. The strange comments, her unique quirks, and the way she writes and sings a song about a smelly cat are all major parts of Phoebe's character. There really is not anything else to analyze about Phoebe, leaving the Incongruity Theory the only good explanation for why we laugh at her crazy actions. 


Using Rachel and Ross's breakup to explain the possible presence of the Relief Theory was an excellent idea. Here we have by far one of the most dramatic scenes in the entire series, but we still find ourselves laughing. Rachel and Ross was a "ship" created by the writers from the very first episode. Ever since that first moment when Ross was lamenting his recent divorce and miraculously Rachel, a previous crush of his, walked into the coffee shop in a wedding dress, the audience wanted it to be Rachel and Ross. Suddenly, when the couple everyone had been rooting for finds themselves in an intensely sorrowful confrontation and on the verge of ending their relationship permanently, the audience hearts are literally aching with despair as they watch. Perhaps, the writers knew the intensity of the moment was the perfect opportunity to sneak in a few laughs. According to the Relief Theory, it is this feeling of relief, being put under stress and then a sudden release, that causes humor. Maybe, the very reason we laugh through such heartache is due to the massive relief we feel with every small joke told and every absurd action made. 

Comments

  1. Shane HerronSeptember 12, 2018 at 12:57 PM

    I think you are right that incongruity is the essence of Phoebe, though I could also see others arguing that it is superiority. However, we usually don't feel better than quirky people who play by their own rules. She's definitely the Kramer of the series, and we often envy these people and their ability to be immune to any consequences. It seems that often characters like her add in the moment of comic relief to the more serious problems of Ross and others.

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  2. Caroline BassSeptember 15, 2018 at 12:27 PM

    Awesome post! I particularly liked how you discussed the way writers will add humor to situations with "shipped" characters. In almost every comedy I've seen, there are two characters that the audience inherently knows will end up as a couple and relief humor is often the way it is achieved. For example, we know Jim and Pam from "The Office" will eventually marry, but the path to that is often fraught with hilarious situations, which only strengthens the audience's connection to and love for the characters.

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