Writing Comedy
Example #1:
At the store, get milk, eggs and common sense.
Example #2:
I enjoy walking in that park because it’s so peaceful. I can listen to the birds, take in the scenery and enjoy the crushed beer cans underfoot.
[NowNovel. (2019). The secrets of writing humour. Retrieved on June 13, 2020 from https://www.nownovel.com/blog/secrets-writing-humour/]
Example #3:
I am not an early bird or a night owl. I am some form of permanently exhausted pigeon.
[SmallWonderGifts (2017). Pigeon [mug]. Amazon. Retrieved on June 13, 2020 from https://www.amazon.com/Permanently-Exhausted-Pigeon-Shower-Mothers/dp/B074MKLFRC]
Example #1:
I tried everything to get to sleep last night --well, everything but closing the book and putting it on the nightstand. Let’s not get too crazy.
Example #2:
“I know we [Jews] are the chosen people, but once in a while can’t You choose someone else?” --Tevye
[Jewison, N. (Director). (1971). Fiddler on the Roof [Film]. The Mirisch Production Company.]
Example #1:
SAM: What are you up to? Sneaking off, are we?
SMEAGOL: Sneaking? S-sneaking?! Fat hobbit is always so polite. Sméagol shows them secret ways that nobody else could find, and they say "sneak"! Sneak?! Very nice friend. Oh, yes, my precious. Very nice, very nice…
SAM: All right! All right. You just startled me is all. What were you doing?
SMEAGOL: [sarcastic] Sneaking.
Jackson, P. (Director). (2003). The return of the king [Film]. New Line Cinema.]
Example #2:
SAM: Hey! Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me!
ELROND: No, indeed. It is hardly possible to separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not.
MERRY: We're coming, too!
Jackson, P. (Director). (2001). Fellowship of the ring [Film]. New Line Cinema.]
What is unexpected in each example? How does the "Rule of 3" set you up to expect something different? How are you misdirected? What lines or ideas are repeated?
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