Self-deprecating humor in stand-up comedy

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1 Introduction
• 2 A Short History of Stand-Up Comedy
• 3 Humor Theories
  • 3.1 Superiority Theory
  • 3.2 Relief Theory
  • 3.3 Incongruity Theory
• 4 Types of Humor
  • 4.1 Self-deprecating Humor
  • 4.2 Other-deprecating Humor
• 5 Examples of Self-deprecating Humor in Stand-Up Comedy
  • 5.1 Jim Jefferies, “Letter To My Son”
  • 5.2 Jim Jefferies, “Mariah Carey’s Party”
• 6 Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This bachelor thesis investigates the use and effect of self-deprecating humor in stand-up comedy, specifically focusing on its application in North America. The study explores how and why comedians employ this style of humor and analyzes its impact on the audience. Furthermore, it examines the similarities and differences between self-deprecating and other-deprecating humor, noting the sometimes subtle distinctions in their effects. The work also provides a concise overview of the history of stand-up comedy in North America and discusses three prevalent humor theories to contextualize the use of self-deprecating humor.

• The use and effect of self-deprecating humor in stand-up comedy.
• Comparison of self-deprecating and other-deprecating humor.
• Historical context of stand-up comedy in North America.
• Application of humor theories (Superiority, Relief, and Incongruity) to self-deprecating humor.
• Illustrative examples of self-deprecating humor from Jim Jefferies' stand-up routines.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

1 Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the thesis by highlighting the significant cultural standing of stand-up comedy, particularly in the Anglo-Saxon world and North America. It emphasizes the high regard for stand-up comedians, often viewed as social critics and even anthropologists. The chapter introduces the concept of self-deprecating humor as the central focus of the study, emphasizing its connection to minority cultures in North America, particularly within Jewish and African-American comedic traditions. The chapter establishes the groundwork for examining the use and effects of self-deprecating humor within the broader context of stand-up comedy.

2 A Short History of Stand-Up Comedy: This chapter provides a brief overview of the historical development of stand-up comedy in North America. It traces the evolution of the art form, highlighting its role in social commentary and its use as a platform for marginalized voices. The chapter likely connects the emergence of stand-up comedy clubs in the mid-20th century with the rise of self-deprecating humor as a prominent comedic style, particularly among minority comedians. This historical overview will provide a valuable context for understanding the current role and significance of self-deprecating humor.

3 Humor Theories: This chapter delves into three prominent humor theories: Superiority, Relief, and Incongruity. It explains each theory, providing a framework for analyzing the mechanisms through which humor works, and particularly how self-deprecating humor elicits laughter and engages the audience. Understanding these theories provides a basis for interpreting the effectiveness and impact of self-deprecating humor within stand-up comedy performances. The chapter lays the theoretical foundation for analyzing the examples presented later in the thesis.

4 Types of Humor: This chapter focuses on defining and differentiating between various types of humor, with a specific emphasis on self-deprecating humor and other-deprecating humor. It likely explores the nuances of each style and how they differ in their delivery and impact on the audience. This distinction is crucial for the subsequent analysis, as it clarifies the specific type of humor being examined and helps distinguish it from other, potentially contrasting forms.

5 Examples of Self-deprecating Humor in Stand-Up Comedy: This chapter provides concrete examples of self-deprecating humor drawn from the stand-up routines of Jim Jefferies. It analyzes specific skits ("Letter to My Son" and "Mariah Carey's Party"), demonstrating the application of self-deprecating humor and its intended effect on the audience. By analyzing these specific examples, the chapter will illustrate the theoretical concepts discussed in previous chapters and provide a practical demonstration of the use of self-deprecating humor in stand-up comedy.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Self-deprecating humor, stand-up comedy, humor theories, social commentary, minority humor, Jim Jefferies, North American comedy, Superiority theory, Relief theory, Incongruity theory, other-deprecating humor, comedic techniques.

FAQ: Bachelor Thesis on Self-Deprecating Humor in Stand-Up Comedy

What is the main topic of this bachelor thesis?

This bachelor thesis investigates the use and effect of self-deprecating humor in stand-up comedy, particularly in North America. It examines how and why comedians use this style of humor and its impact on audiences.

What are the key themes explored in the thesis?

Key themes include the use and effect of self-deprecating humor, a comparison of self-deprecating and other-deprecating humor, the historical context of stand-up comedy in North America, the application of humor theories (Superiority, Relief, and Incongruity) to self-deprecating humor, and illustrative examples from Jim Jefferies' stand-up routines.

Which humor theories are discussed?

The thesis explores three prominent humor theories: Superiority Theory, Relief Theory, and Incongruity Theory. These theories provide a framework for understanding how self-deprecating humor works and its impact on audiences.

What is the historical context provided in the thesis?

The thesis offers a brief history of stand-up comedy in North America, tracing its evolution and highlighting its role in social commentary and as a platform for marginalized voices. It connects the rise of stand-up comedy clubs with the emergence of self-deprecating humor as a prominent style.

How does the thesis compare self-deprecating and other-deprecating humor?

The thesis defines and differentiates between self-deprecating and other-deprecating humor, exploring the nuances of each style and how they differ in their delivery and impact on the audience.

What examples of stand-up comedy are analyzed?

The thesis analyzes specific skits from Jim Jefferies' stand-up routines, "Letter to My Son" and "Mariah Carey's Party," to demonstrate the application of self-deprecating humor and its intended effect.

What are the key chapters and their contents?

The thesis includes an introduction setting the stage; a chapter on the history of stand-up comedy; a chapter on humor theories; a chapter comparing types of humor; a chapter analyzing examples from Jim Jefferies; and a conclusion. Each chapter provides relevant context and analysis.

What are the keywords associated with this thesis?

Keywords include: Self-deprecating humor, stand-up comedy, humor theories, social commentary, minority humor, Jim Jefferies, North American comedy, Superiority theory, Relief theory, Incongruity theory, other-deprecating humor, and comedic techniques.

What is the overall objective of this thesis?

The objective is to investigate the use and effect of self-deprecating humor in stand-up comedy, focusing on its application in North America and providing a comprehensive analysis within the context of relevant humor theories and historical background.

Who is the primary comedian used as an example?

Jim Jefferies is the primary comedian whose work is used to illustrate the concepts and theories discussed in the thesis.