Black Comedy in Literature and Theory

Black Comedy in Literature: Introduction

Black comedy in literature is a genre that navigates the delicate balance between humor and dark, often morbid subject matter, employing satire, irony, and absurdity to explore the human condition in unconventional ways.

Originating from a term coined by André Breton, this genre delves into social taboos, critiques norms, and challenges conventional morality through a lens of humor. It often emerges in response to adversity, employing gallows humor as a coping mechanism and a form of social commentary. Literar

y works within this genre, such as Joseph Heller’s Catch-22 and Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five, utilize the juxtaposition of laughter and tragedy to reflect on the absurdity of war, bureaucracy, and the human experience. Black comedy, thus, serves as a powerful tool for writers to engage with serious issues, offering a unique perspective that encourages both reflection and amusement.

Black Comedy in Literature: Examples in Shakespeare

While William Shakespeare is not conventionally associated with the genre of black comedy in the modern sense, some of his works do contain elements of dark humor and irony. One notable example is found in the play “Hamlet.” The character of Hamlet engages in witty and sardonic wordplay, particularly in his interactions with other characters. The gravedigger scene in “Hamlet” is an instance where dark humor is employed as Hamlet contemplates mortality and the inevitability of death.

In “Macbeth,” the porter’s scene after Duncan’s murder introduces elements of comic relief through its darkly humorous dialogue. The porter’s inebriated monologue and the banter that follows provide a stark contrast to the serious and tragic events unfolding in the play.

While Shakespeare’s works are primarily known for their tragic and dramatic elements, these instances demonstrate that even within the confines of his tragedies, elements of dark humor and irony can be found, aligning with the essence of black comedy.

Black Comedy in Literature: Examples in Literature

1. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller:
   • Heller’s classic anti-war novel introduces readers to the absurdities of military bureaucracy, utilizing dark humor to portray the paradoxes and illogical regulations within the context of war.
2. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut:
   • Vonnegut employs black comedy and science fiction elements to depict the disorienting experiences of the protagonist, Billy Pilgrim, as he navigates the trauma and absurdity of war, particularly the firebombing of Dresden during World War II.
3. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis:
   • Ellis’s satirical black comedy delves into the disturbed psyche of Patrick Bateman, a Wall Street investment banker, providing a scathing critique of consumerism and the moral decadence of 1980s New York City.
4. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams:
   • Adams uses absurdity and irony in this comedic science fiction work to satirize human behavior, societal norms, and the vastness of the cosmos, creating a narrative rich in dark humor.
5. A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole:
   • Toole’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel features the eccentric Ignatius J. Reilly, providing a satirical exploration of New Orleans society and the absurdities encountered by its unconventional protagonist.
6. Candide by Voltaire:
   • Voltaire’s novella employs dark humor to satirize the philosophy of optimism, exposing the absurdity of human suffering within a world plagued by injustice and irrationality.
7. Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer:
   • Shaffer’s play, the namesake of the genre, is a farcical comedy that involves mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and chaotic situations, utilizing humor to explore societal norms and human behavior.

Black Comedy in Literature: How to Write It

• Subversion of Expectations:
  • Employ unexpected twists and turns in the plot to subvert traditional narrative expectations, using irony and absurdity to generate humor.
• Dark Satire and Social Critique:
  • Utilize satire to mock societal norms, institutions, or individuals, providing a lens through which to critique and comment on broader social issues.
• Morbid Humor and Taboo Subjects:
  • Fearlessly delve into morbid or taboo subjects, using humor as a vehicle to explore the uncomfortable and challenge conventional moral perspectives.
• Witty Dialogue and Sardonic Tone:
  • Infuse characters with sharp wit, allowing them to engage in sardonic and clever dialogue that adds layers of dark humor to the narrative.
• Comic Timing and Pacing:
  • Pay meticulous attention to the timing and pacing of comedic elements, creating a rhythm that enhances the impact of the darkly humorous moments.
• Character Flaws and Exaggeration:
  • Develop characters with notable flaws and amplify these traits, employing exaggeration to highlight the absurdity of human behavior.
• Incongruity and Absurdity:
  • Introduce incongruous elements and situations that defy logic or reason, emphasizing the absurdity inherent in the narrative.
• Narrative Irony and Dramatic Irony:
  • Incorporate both narrative and dramatic irony to create layers of humor, allowing readers to perceive incongruities between what is expected and what actually occurs.
• Cynical Observations and Commentary:
  • Integrate cynical observations and social commentary within the narrative, using characters as mouthpieces to express darkly humorous perspectives on the world.
• Balancing Tragedy and Comedy:
  • Achieve a delicate balance between tragic and comedic elements, allowing moments of humor to emerge organically from the darker aspects of the narrative.

Black Comedy in Literature: Benefits of Using it in Literature

• Cathartic Exploration of Taboos:
  • Provides a cathartic outlet for both writers and readers to explore taboo subjects and societal norms through humor, allowing for a unique and often therapeutic engagement with uncomfortable topics.
• Social Critique with Humorous Edge:
  • Enables authors to deliver poignant social critiques by using humor as a powerful and engaging tool, inviting readers to reflect on societal issues in an approachable and entertaining manner.
• Emotional Resonance and Impact:
  • Enhances the emotional resonance and impact of a narrative by using dark humor to evoke complex emotional responses, allowing readers to experience a range of feelings from amusement to contemplation.
• Engagement with Absurdity of Existence:
  • Offers a means to engage with the absurdity and unpredictability of human existence, providing a lens through which authors can reflect on life’s incongruities and paradoxes.
• Subversion of Literary Conventions:
  • Allows for the subversion of traditional literary conventions, encouraging writers to challenge and experiment with narrative structures, character development, and thematic exploration, fostering creativity and innovation in storytelling.

Black Comedy in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theory

Relevance in Literary Theory	Explanation
Deconstruction	Challenges and dismantles traditional literary structures and meanings, allowing black comedy to subvert norms and question established narratives.
Postmodernism	Embraces irony, parody, and intertextuality, aligning with the satirical and unconventional nature of black comedy, which thrives on subverting expectations.
Existentialism	Explores the absurdity of human existence, aligning with black comedy’s tendency to highlight the incongruities and paradoxes inherent in life.
Feminist Literary Theory	Utilizes satire and irony to critique gender roles and societal expectations, allowing black comedy to serve as a tool for subversive commentary on gender norms.
Cultural Studies	Examines how literature reflects and shapes cultural norms, making black comedy a valuable vehicle for critiquing and commenting on societal values and behaviors.
Reader-Response Theory	Recognizes the role of the reader in interpreting and constructing meaning, allowing black comedy to engage readers actively in deciphering its layers of humor and critique.
Marxist Literary Criticism	Satirizes and critiques social hierarchies and power structures, aligning with black comedy’s tendency to subvert authority and challenge prevailing social and economic norms.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Explores the unconscious mind and repressed desires, making black comedy a means to confront and satirize societal taboos, allowing for the expression of suppressed emotions.
Structuralism	Challenges binary oppositions and explores the ambiguity of language, creating a space for black comedy to thrive in its ability to disrupt and question conventional meanings.
Postcolonial Theory	Critiques colonial legacies and power dynamics, allowing black comedy to serve as a tool for subversive commentary on cultural clashes and the consequences of colonialism.

The relevance of black comedy in literary theory is evident in its alignment with various critical frameworks, making it a versatile and powerful tool for challenging, critiquing, and subverting established norms and structures in literature.

Black Comedy in Literature: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Incongruity	Deliberate inconsistency or disparity within the narrative, creating humor through unexpected surprises.
Irony	Expression of meaning using language that signifies the opposite, often for humorous or satirical effect.
Satire	Use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock people, politics, or society, often for social or political commentary.
Gallows Humor	Humor arising in adversity, tragedy, or dire circumstances, allowing amusement in challenging situations.
Cynicism	Skeptical or pessimistic view of human nature and motives, expressed through sarcastic or scornful language.
Parody	Humorous imitation of a genre, work, or cultural phenomenon, exaggerating elements for comedic effect and social critique.
Exaggeration	Representation of something as larger or more extreme than reality, used for comedic emphasis.
Wit	Sharp intelligence and cleverness expressed in humor, often through quick and inventive verbal exchanges or written dialogue.
Deadpan Delivery	Delivery of humor with a deliberately impassive face and tone, creating an additional layer of comedic effect.
Comic Timing	Skillful use of pacing and rhythm in delivering comedic elements, ensuring jokes or humorous situations land effectively for maximum impact.

Black Comedy in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Heller, Joseph. Catch-22. Vintage Books, 1999.
2. Vonnegut, Kurt. Slaughterhouse-Five. Dell Publishing, 1991.
3. Ellis, Bret Easton. American Psycho. Vintage Books, 1991.
4. Adams, Douglas. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Del Rey, 1995.
5. Toole, John Kennedy. A Confederacy of Dunces. Grove Press, 1987.
6. Voltaire. Candide. Dover Publications, 1991.
7. Pratchett, Terry, and Neil Gaiman. Good Omens. William Morrow, 2006.
8. Kafka, Franz. The Trial. Schocken Books, 1998.
9. Nabokov, Vladimir. Pale Fire. Vintage International, 1989.
10. Shaffer, Peter. Black Comedy. Samuel French, Inc., 1967