Core Concept #6: 2/22/11-3/4/11

Comedy

• Comedy is based on irony, and its awareness is an intellectual process
• Connection: See previous notes for more on the types of irony
• Comedy allows us to feel superior to the characters, who may be similar to us
• Comedy is a way to change the individual or society
• The Comedic Ladder: Comedy of Ideas (wit & clever language: subtle) -> Comedy of Manners (love affairs & witty language) -> Farce (coincidences,mistimings, puppets of fate) -> Low Comedy (dirty jokes & slapstick)
• For something to be humorous, it must appeal to the intellect, be mechanical, be inherently human, be related to a set of established society norms, be inconsistent, and be perceived as harmless

Comedy and the Free Response

• It is a Comedy of Ideas that uses lots of irony
• The characters are relatable to us, and they are blind to their misconceptions
• It is an irrational take on marriage
• There has been a lack of effective communication

Pride and Prejudice

• Austen uses italics to emphasize characters' tone during dialogues to build comic effect
• Connection: This use of italics is similar to teachers underlining notes on the board because they want to make sure that the students take notice
• When reading, it is important to differentiate Austen's ideas and thoughts from Elizabeth (the narrator)'s
• Through the novel, Austen is saying that one should not compromise when it comes to marraige (Elizabeth didn't and she came out at the top of the social order in the end)
• Connection: the characters in the free response prompt compromised, and I don't think they'll be happy in the future