The Comic

An account of comic value is presented in this chapter that refines the traditional ‘incongruity’ theory of comedy. It is argued that humorous objects are regarded as norm-violating (by failing, exceeding, or deliberately breaking a norm). In addition, these violations are regarded as ‘non-serious’ in the sense that we discern no pragmatic pull to correct, avoid, or imitate the norm-violation. These conditions are further refined by a consideration of timing in comedy and the humour of persona-based stand-up. The reward of comedy is then analysed as a kind of pleasurable release or relief from demands to uphold norms. Finally the chapter considers whether comic value can reconcile us with the absurdity of our lives.