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WHAT A RELIEF!

Certainly, laughter itself is a relief. Laughing is one way we blow off steam and release stress.

However, for comics, the relief theory is much more than that.

The relief theory of humor is a two-sided coin.

1) First, what makes a joke funny? Much humor is funny simply because we feel a sense of relief at the end of the tale.

Perhaps a comedian has related a long and involved tale. We expected a raunchy, racy, or really horrid ending. At the last minute, the joke turns a sharp corner. Suddenly, a play on words or a quick-switch changes the entire tenor of the story.

2) The other side of the theory relates to comic relief. We have all seen this in movies. A scene may be very dark, sinister, suspenseful, or sad. Suddenly, when we think we can take it no longer, something hilarious happens.

Whew! You can hear an audible sigh of relief sweeping through the audience. What a relief!

In all of his movies (regardless of the actor portraying him), British spy James Bond is known for his trademark quips and one-liners, which are usually delivered right after a moment of intense tension.

For example, at one point, Agent 007 tosses a villain out of an airplane mid-flight and mutters, "Have a nice flight."

In another scene, the arch-villian is electrocuted, and Bond says, "Shocking, simply shocking."

Even if the audience groans, it's comic relief.

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
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