After laughter: humour in English literature
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2014-09-29
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University of Cape Town
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UCT Summer School Lectures 2014
Abstract
Some of our greatest writers are skilled in portraying characters and
events that make us smile or chuckle, shriek or cringe. Some of the
humour tugs at the heart strings, some is vulgar, some is satirical, some
appeals to our darker side. We laugh at ourselves, at others, at society.
As it is not helpful to discuss humour in theoretical isolation, this course
will examine various texts, determine what we find amusing, and then
develop a theory from there. Of course, there will be some disagreement
on what is really funny and what not. The course will look at works by
three writers in three different genres: poetry, drama and the novel.
Bring along an open mind, smelling salts and some tissues for tears
of laughter.
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Reference:
Finn, S. 2014-09-29. After laughter: humour in English literature. Recorded lecture. UCT Summer School Lectures 2014. University of Cape Town.