[HPforGrownups] Re: Humor element

[Zorb17 at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 34384

Cindy asked:
<<So here's 
the question:  what are the types of humor?  Does anyone know, and 
are there examples of these categories in canon?>>

You're in luck - the theatre history class I took last quarter brushed on the 
types of comedy.  Here's the list I have, with some examples:

Satire - ridiculing an institution or an individual aligned with an 
institution; illustrates weaknesses; political in nature; shows an unreal 
world.  HP is rife with this, IMHO.  Off the top of my head, I can point out 
Fudge (actually, the Ministry in general).

Farce - physical comedy; characters leave a state of dignity; events get out 
of control.  Again, many examples: the Amazing Bouncing Ferret, Canary 
Creams, the Ton-Tongue Toffees, to name a few.

Parody - ridicules works of art, icons.  I think Sir Cadogan falls into this 
category, as a parody of the chivalrous knight.

Dark Comedy - serious theme treated lightly.  Once again, all over the place. 
 I'd put the Dursleys' mistreatment of Harry here.  Actually, I think the 
Ferret and other such violent-seeming episodes could fit here as well.

Romantic - ridicules the problems of love; harmless misunderstandings.  I 
don't want to touch this one with a thirty-nine and a half foot pole; 
personal SHIP preferences will likely get in the way of what one considers 
"harmless."

Looking back, I think JKR's got all these bases covered.  Am I missing any 
categories?


Zorb


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