When I was in grad school, I took this course called "Philosophy of Comedy," which was, frankly, not funny. Because, you know, there's really nothing less funny than discussing what makes something funny.
One of the essays we read was by Umberto Eco, and he defined comedy as "the encrustation of the mechanical upon the living," like when you see an old person fall down, you inadvertantly laugh, because in your mind that is never, never supposed to happen, or like, that's what a machine would do. Or something like that. I didn't FINISH my PhD.
Anyhow, I saw a sign yesterday, and I think it's all becoming clear now.
I don't even know where to start with this. So many levels of tragedy, I think there may be humor in there, somewhere at the very bottom. You shouldn't think this is funny, but you're probably going to. Blame Umberto Eco. I do.
Too far?
Oh, the memories. Bert States was like the smartest man I ever met, but you're right - there was nothing funny about that seminar.
Posted by: Elise | Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 07:34 PM