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aCTIVITy 4.3
Classifying Comedy
PLaN
learNING sTraTeGIes:
Marking the Text, Graphic Organizer, Note-taking, Discussion Groups, Brainstorming, RAFT, Drafting
Teach
acTIVITY 4.3
Materials: a variety of humorous comic strips and political cartoons Suggested Pacing: 1 50-minute class period
1 Activate prior knowledge by asking students to think about how they would classify different types of comedy.
2 After students read and mark the text, form pairs and ask them to work collaboratively to complete the charts.
Word CoNNeCTIoNs
Cognates
The English word comedy comes from the Latin word comoedia, meaning “an amusing play or performance.” It has the same meaning as the Spanish word, comedia.
my Notes
Learning Targets
• Categorize humorous texts into levels of comedy.
• Write an analysis of how an artist creates humor.
Understanding Levels of Comedy
Comedy occurs in different ways.
1. Read and mark the text to indicate information that is new to you.
Low comedy refers to the type of humor that is focused primarily on the situation or series of events. It includes such things as physical mishaps, humor concerning the human body and its functions, coincidences, and humorous situations. With low comedy, the humor is straightforward and generally easy to follow and understand.
Since the primary purpose of most low comedy is to entertain, the action is frequently seen as hilarious or hysterical and the effect is often side-splitting laughter and guffaws. Many times, the characters are exaggerated caricatures rather than fully developed characters. These caricatures are often caught in unlikely situations or they become victims of circumstances seemingly beyond their control. Thus, the plot takes priority over the characters. Examples of low comedy might include Madea’s Family Reunion, Meet the Parents, and America’s Funniest Home Videos. Shakespeare’s comedies, such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night, are full of low comedy.
High comedy refers to the type of humor that is focused primarily on characters, dialogue, or ideas. It includes such things as clever wordplay, wit, and pointed remarks regarding larger issues. Many times, high comedy takes an irreverent or unconventional look at serious issues.
Sometimes the humor of high comedy is not immediately obvious; it can take a
bit of reflection in order to realize the humorous intent. Frequently, the purpose
of high comedy is to express an opinion, to persuade, or to promote deeper consideration of an idea. Often described as amusing, clever, or witty, high comedy typically results in chuckles, grins, and smiles rather than loud laughter. Clever use of language and interesting characters receive more attention than
the circumstances that surround them. Examples of high comedy include Modern Family, The Middle, and, at times, The Simpsons. Shakespeare’s tragedies, such as Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet, also include instances of high comedy.
2. Why do we distinguish between different kinds of comedy?
We distinguish between different kinds of comedy so we can understand how and why authors create humor.
3. With a partner, take notes to complete each chart on the next page. Brainstorm a strong example at each level of comedy.
260 SpringBoard® English Language Arts Grade 8
260 SpringBoard® English Language Arts Grade 8 cOMMON cOre STaTe STaNDarDS
Focus Standards:
W.8.2a: Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g.,
charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
W.8.9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
W.8.9a: Apply Grade 8 Reading standards to literature (e.g., “Analyze how a modern work of fiction draws on themes, patterns of events, or character types from myths, traditional stories, or religious works such as the Bible, including describing how the material is rendered new”).
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W.8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
© 2017 College Board. All rights reserved.
© 2017 College Board. All rights reserved.