If people who are living outside the United Kingdom are asked to characterise British humour, many of them will probably mention the jokes of one of the Monty Python series or maybe famous quotes from the British sitcom Fawlty Towers; and if you ask these people which person they would associate with the shows, the answer will probably be: John Cleese. He is well known in nearly all European countries and even in the United States. But how did he become that famous or maybe even a label for today’s view on English humour?
In my research paper I want to point out Cleese’s significance for British Comedy and humour. At first, I would like to give a general definition of the term and at the same time look at different types of humour in order to investigate why people start grinning or laughing in certain situations. I will present some criteria which can detect different types of humour and consider humour on phonological and syntactical levels.
Then I want to work out if there is a special concept of humour in the United Kingdom and if this humour even characterises the British culture. In a next step I will compare the stereotypical concept of British and German humour to show that they are at least rated as being contradictory.
After I have shown some typical styles and techniques of the British humour, my central focus will be on John Cleese. I want to give an overview of his life and introduce people who are close to him or supported him in his career. In doing so I will also concentrate on his major achievements: e.g. Monty Python’s Flying Circus and their films and Fawlty Towers. Their popularity throughout the world is really remarkable and shows that Cleese and his friends possibly managed to broadcast a new sense of humour. I will therefore finally analyse their and particular Cleese’s share in British sense of humour.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Aspects of English Humour
- How to define humour
- Comedy and Humour in British Society
- British sense of humour
- German and English humour compared and contrasted
- John Cleese as a Symbol of British Humour?
- His life
- His share in the British sense of humour
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research paper aims to investigate the significance of John Cleese for British comedy and humour. It will explore the definition of humour, analyze different types of humour, and determine if there is a distinct British sense of humour. The paper will also compare and contrast British and German humour before focusing on Cleese's life, career, and contribution to the development of British humour.
- Defining humour and identifying its different types
- Exploring the existence and characteristics of a British sense of humour
- Comparing and contrasting British and German humour
- Analyzing the life and career of John Cleese
- Evaluating Cleese's impact on British humour
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction sets the stage for the paper, exploring the common perception of British humour and highlighting John Cleese's prominence in this context. It outlines the research paper's objectives, including providing a definition of humour, examining different types, and analyzing Cleese's influence on British humour.
The first chapter, "Aspects of English Humour," dives into the definition of humour, examining its abstract and physical aspects. It delves into different modes of humour, considering factors like consciousness, intentionality, and the distinction between malevolent and benevolent intention. The chapter also discusses the structure of jokes, highlighting the importance of incongruity in evoking laughter. Puns, as a form of humour, are explored in their various forms, including phonological and phonetic play, and their role in showcasing the language-specificity of humour. The chapter concludes by touching upon other humorous linguistic devices like Spoonerisms, rhythmic patterns, alliterations, and assonances, emphasizing the impact of delivery and performance on the effectiveness of humour.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This research paper focuses on British humour, exploring its definition, types, and cultural significance. Key concepts include John Cleese's contribution to British comedy, humour as a linguistic phenomenon, the analysis of jokes and puns, and the comparison of British and German humour. The study investigates the role of incongruity, intentionality, and performance in eliciting laughter.
- Quote paper
- Theo Tebbe (Author), 2007, The funny side of the United Kingdom, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/115357