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Reflection on Week 2: Silent Comedy and Theories of Humour

This week’s exploration of silent comedy and theories of humor, particularly Benign Violation and Relief, offered a deeper understanding of how humor can transcend language and rely on visual cues and nonverbal communication. Drawing from the readings by Warren and McGraw on Benign Violation Theory and Palmer’s insights into the Logic of the Absurd, coupled with in-class discussions and peer feedback, I gained valuable insights into the comic form and its various manifestations.

Silent comedy, as interpreted broadly, allowed for creative exploration beyond slapstick humor, emphasizing the importance of visual storytelling and nonverbal cues. In crafting my media artifact, a one-minute video featuring my friends, we consciously eschewed dialogue and minimized audio to focus on visual humor. Leveraging principles of Benign Violation, we aimed to create situations that treaded the fine line between appropriateness and absurdity, eliciting laughter through the violation of social norms or expectations.

Peer feedback played a pivotal role in refining our approach and bolstering confidence in our work. Constructive critiques and suggestions provided by classmates helped identify areas for improvement and inspired fresh ideas for comedic scenarios. Additionally, collaborative brainstorming sessions during class facilitated the exchange of creative insights and fostered a supportive environment conducive to experimentation and growth.

Moreover, the readings by Warren, McGraw, and Palmer served as theoretical frameworks that informed our understanding of humor’s underlying mechanisms. Benign Violation Theory elucidated how humor arises from situations that simultaneously violate social norms while remaining benign or non-threatening, while Palmer’s exploration of the Logic of the Absurd underscored the inherent absurdity of comedic situations.

Incorporating these insights into our media artifact, we sought to leverage visual absurdity and situational humor to elicit laughter without relying on dialogue. By embracing the principles of Benign Violation and Relief, we aimed to create a comedic experience that transcended language barriers and resonated with audiences on a universal level.

In conclusion, this week’s exploration of silent comedy and humor theories deepened my appreciation for the versatility and complexity of humor as an art form. Through experimentation, collaboration, and theoretical inquiry, I gained valuable insights that will undoubtedly inform my future creative endeavors.

References:

• Warren, C. & McGraw, A.P. (2015). “Benign Violation Theory” in Attardo, S. (ed), Encyclopedia of Humor Studies.
• Palmer, J. (1988/2018). “The Logic of the Absurd” in Marx, N. & Sienkiewicz, M. (eds), The Comedy Studies Reader.