Humor is often used to explore taboo topics such as sex and morality, which can lead to some interesting insights into society's attitudes towards these subjects.
Many comedic works that deal with sex tend to focus on the awkwardness and embarrassment associated with it, while those that tackle morality usually highlight the hypocrisy and double standards present in our culture.
Sexual Humor
Sexual humor has been a staple of literature for centuries, and it continues to be popular today. One reason why this type of humor is so prevalent is because sex is an inherently humorous subject - after all, who hasn't laughed at a dirty joke? But beyond that, sexual humor can also serve as a way to comment on society's attitude towards sex itself.
Many authors have used comedy to expose the absurdity of puritanical views on sexuality. In the novel "Lolita", Vladimir Nabokov uses humor to satirize the American public's obsession with innocence and chastity. Throughout the book, he pokes fun at how people perceive sex and relationships, especially when they involve younger partners. Similarly, Philip Roth's novel "Portnoy's Complaint" explores the theme of repressed sexuality through its protagonist's struggles with his mother and father. By using humor to illuminate these themes, Roth makes it clear that our society still struggles with accepting healthy sexual expression.
Moral Humor
Morality is another topic that often comes up in literature, particularly when it relates to societal norms or values.
Satirical works like Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" use dark humor to mock society's treatment of poverty and the poor. The story proposes eating babies as a solution to Ireland's overpopulation problem, highlighting the callousness of the upper class towards those less fortunate than themselves. Similarly, George Orwell's "Animal Farm" critiques totalitarianism by making it seem ridiculous. The novel depicts farm animals as humans who are manipulated by their leaders into believing that they are powerless, but in reality, they can choose to rebel against oppression if they want. By using this kind of humor, Orwell shows that even well-meaning individuals can be drawn into corruption due to social pressure.
Humor in literature can serve as an effective way to shed light on society's anxieties surrounding sex and morality. It exposes our hypocrisy, prejudices, and double standards while also providing insight into how we view ourselves and others. While some may argue that this type of writing trivializes serious topics, it can also help us understand our own attitudes better. After all, sometimes the best way to confront something head-on is through laughter.
How does humor in literature illuminate social anxieties surrounding sex and morality?
Humor in literature can be used to address various social anxieties surrounding sex and morality, such as sexual identity, gender roles, societal expectations, and cultural taboos. By employing humor in their writing, authors may explore these themes in an indirect yet powerful way that challenges readers' perceptions of what is acceptable and what is not.