After reading Chapter 3 of Morreall's Comic Relief, I must say that I am beginning to warm up to his writing style. Although he still suggests ideas that I do not always agree with, the text is becoming easier to read (especially in comparison to that of Chapter 1...not my favorite).
Morreall begins by explaining how human laughter came about through evolution; we inherited it from apes. He elucidates by writing that it is a "play signal". While I agree that laughter can be seen as a play signal, I also think that it is an innate response. In contrast to his argument that amusement is not a normal emotion, I think laughter is a normal reaction for humans, and what provokes us is subjective to the person, as well as the situation.
In addition, Morreall comments on the importance of language in humor. I agree with him in some regards, but I also think that nonverbal communication is just as important. A perfect example is in children's cartoons. While some of the characters may talk, I know that I laugh because of their actions, not their words.
One thing that we have discussed in class and that I agree with is the concept of a "cognitive shift". I can apply this to simple jokes; I think the joke is going in one direction, when - WHAM! - there is the punchline, and thus the shift occurs that makes something funny. Moreover, everyone knows that a joke is not as funny the second time around. It is because the element of surprise is gone, and you know what is going to happen; there is no shift.
Another idea that Morreall presents is that laughter is a social experience. Again, we have discussed this in class, and I disagree. While others' laughter can facilitate more laughter in a social setting, it is not solely a social experience. In fact, it is pathetic how many times a day I laugh to myself. I will be sitting at my desk, doing homework when a thought pops into my head, and I just laugh. Is anyone around me? No. Granted, there have been many occasions when others' laughter makes me laugh even harder. However, I do not need to be around people to laugh.
My last criticism of Morreall is somewhat childish yet valid. Like the title of the chapter suggests, he discusses Lucy, whose skeletal body provides a link to humans and their ancestors. My question is, though, WHY DIDN'T HE TALK ABOUT LUCILLE BALL?! I mean, come on! I really do love Lucy, and I was hoping for at least a small example from the sitcom! One can only imagine my disappointment as I finished the chapter with Lucy out of sight yet in mind.
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