Satire, Irony, and Humor

Satire, Irony, and Humor DUE Monday, February 7

Unit I~ Elements of Satire

Personal Essay

What do you find funny?

From the reading this week, we learned that laughter and humor are two very different things. While laughter may be contagious, humor is not. What some may find side-splittingly funny, others might find objectionable or even personally offensive. There is also a wide variety of devices used with humor. While some comedic works are considered “high comedy” that peaks our intellect and produces a grin or a chuckle, other works may seem silly, but are none-the less hilarious.

In this personal essay, I would like you to consider what you find funny. To do this you will have to consider some or all of the following questions: What makes you laugh? What are your favorite funny stories, shows, and films? How often do you laugh with friends and family and what do you tend to laugh about while you are with them? Are you a funny person yourself? Has your humor changed over time, and if so, why? Which comedic devices appeal to you the most?

For this essay you MUST have:

·  a brief, anecdotal opening describing a time/event that you found funny

(note: an anecdote is a story, or a brief narrative scene)

·  at least one body paragraph that discusses SPECIFIC comedic devices (see terms) you found funny.

·  at least one body paragraph that analyzes WHY these devices were funny to you (think: how did these devices function in the scene?)

·  at least one body paragraph that reflects on your own humor

·  a brief conclusion that offers insight about your personal taste and the “genre” of comedy

Specific Level Requirements

All students will have two direct quotations from the reading this week.

·  Level 2 students must refer to BOTH “Laughter” and “How Laughter Works” at some point in the essay. (2 DQs total)

·  Level 3 students must refer to EITHER “Laughter” and “How Laughter Works” at some point in the essay. (2 DQs total)

·  Level 4 students should only refer to “How Laughter Works.” (2 DQs total)

Please review the rubric for this assignment and attach it to your final, TYPED draft.