Brianna Roa

Dr. Warner

English 112B

29 November 2011

The Humor of Memory

From Shakespeare to Children�s Stories, humor plays a major role in the understanding and enjoyment of literature. Puns, sarcastic quips, and jokes can help to lighten a mood or shed light upon the tone. Yet humor extends beyond the page, it creates a physical reaction within the individual. Humor can be as easy as a smile or as difficult as making someone cry. Humor is versatile, bending and forming itself to the author�s necessities and cluing the audience to important facts within the story.

As humorous comical literature can be, it can also be just as dark. Humor can inspire but it can also insult; it is important to distinguish between the two. Using humor, many authors tackle challenging trials of adolescence: from coping with ones individuality, ideas of self-acceptance and love, too responsibility and true friendship.

The Romanic Comedy has become a stereotypical aspect of the girls-night-out. Yet what is it that attracts so many to this genre? Of course there is the love but there is also the comedy—the witty and hilarious insults, the sexism, the every-one-plus-two more love triangles that are never ending, and the ultimate realization that it is all part of life. This genre is much more that the simpleton view of love. It is about confusion, hate, anguish, and acceptance. It is the realization that love, laughter, and life coexist in this crazy world were nothing is perfect –but somehow most of us expect it to be. Comical love is the acceptance that love cannot and never will be ideal or perfect and that the messy, crazy, laugh-out-love is the best.

However, humor can cut just as deep as a it can heal. Sarcasm is a hidden form of an insult and our common day slang has dubbed it a �come back�. This form of Humor is mostly used in a condescending manner to form a sense of superiority. As mean as it is sometimes you just cannot help but laugh—hopefully against a horrible character. Many times this witty response is a form of retaliation when the character is unable to defend them self or it is a non-physical form of protest against an ideal or status-quo. Either way, whit is a way to reveal true intentions and feelings –but it is also to be used with caution. This kind of humor appeals to our own naughty thoughts that float about our mind safe from criticism. The use of sarcasm is essential to self-expression—though sometimes sarcasm tends to pop out verbally at the most inopportune moments.

Like sub-notes on a page, people think thoughts that may not be altogether smiled upon or just strange and awkward in normal conversations. And thus our minds think them but never say them. Instances of mortification are filled with them, and these thoughts mostly run along the lines of: �Did I just do/say that?�, �Did someone see that?�, �Please tell me no one saw that.�, �Can I just disappear into the wall? Become invisible? Not exists???�. The thing is that everyone has these instances—they would not be human or they are lying if they try to say otherwise. Stories that surround themselves by these moments attract readers because they can relate to the situation—and often chuckle about their own experience in their head. Although these situations are horrifying at the moment, they later become comical stories told around the fireplace or family gatherings. The �Remember-When� stories that are looked back upon with fondness rather than humility—and sadly, but humorously, these usually tend to happen during the teen years.

The act of laughing is an act of acceptance. By laughing there is an acceptance of the idea, implied point, or statement that causes the person to laugh, but Humor can also be a relief. Shakespeare used it as such and it is one of the main elements throughout his tragedies. Humor is part of the best and the worst memories; it is what makes the memory memorable. Most importantly, humor makes us feel, it creates emotions within us.

Annotated Bibliography

Cohn, Rachel, and David Levithan. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2010. Print.

When her brother Langston, and his new boy-toy/Boyfriend Benny, convince Christmas-loving Lily to participate in a find-a-boy-project she does not know what she is getting into. Dash—short for Dashiel and thus �the connector of words�—finds Lily�s notebook of dares among the shelves of The Strand and he is instantly intrigued. This �persnickety� Christmas cynic, however, must decided if the girl who plays along with his dares is better than the ideal girl he imagined. With the aid of a groping Santa, a boy named Boomer, a mangled doll, dictionaries, and drinks these two individuals are on a quest of love, self-discovery, and the essences of words.

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan create a magical story of love that explores the na�vet� of love and the acceptance of hope. The nerdy humor and precision of words add awkward but humorous characters that instantly grab attention. Carefully interwoven is the bathroom scene built upon the last two novels, here Lily, as the others gain confidence from the voices of the past. Cohn and Levithan create a web of chaotic near collisions that lead the audience to realize that that all are part of this huge world that does connect and that a simple object, like a book, can make the biggest difference. Self-realization if the name of the game while exploration is the dare.

Cohn, Rachel, and David Levithan. Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List: a Novel. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2007.

Ely and Naomi are best friend, born and raised across from each other in the beautiful city of New York and even going to NYU together. Naomi loves Ely and Ely loves Naomi. The trouble is Ely prefers to be in love with guys and Naomi is in love—with a capital L-O-V-E—with Ely even though she has a boyfriend, Bruce #2. To protect their relationship they create a No Kiss List; so when Ely kisses Naomi�s boyfriend—who was never on the list but supposedly off limits—the friendship is on the verge of extinction. The problem is Naomi is a compulsive liar, she is talking to #2 of the list, her mom is depressed because her dad cheated on her with one of Ely�s mom�s, and she is a complete tease to Bruce the first. Ely thinks its love—with capital L-O-V-E—with Bruce, who admits his insecurity in the famed bathroom.

This complex love triangle is a mess of epic proportion and just as funny. Cohn and Levithan create a fantastic story where sexuality is not really the question but soul mate is. Lines are drawn, teams formed, rules of avoidance are written, but in the end Ely loves Naomi and Naomi loves Ely—and neither in the capital L-O-V-E sense. Love is love and it does not matter where it is found, who it includes, are how it comes to be, just that it is. Both Ely and Naomi learn how to cope with their problems, take responsibility for their actions while accepting each other, and realize that friendship is another type of love.

Cohn, Rachel, and David Levithan. Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist. New York: Knopf, 2007. Print.

Tish dumped Nick and now he is completely crushed, so when he sees her at his show Nick finds the first girl to be his five-minute-girlfriend and smooches her on the spot. Norah, although loving the smooch, decides any ex-boyfriend of Trish�s is a No-No. Beside trying to get drunk Caroline home, losing Caroline, trying to find the illusive band Where�s Fluffy, avoiding Trish, ditching Nick, finding Nora, getting caught mid-action, and the dying Yugo, this story is a whirlwind of laughter and tricks that has you wondering what will come next –while in the bathroom it is decided that The Cure is for the Ex�s

This modern romance is a story of two straight-edge teenagers who have fun without turning to mind altering substances. David Levithan and Rachel Cohn write a dynamic story that is just as heartfelt as it is humorous. True love may be possible in the most unexpected relationships and when life gives you a broken Yugo call a taxi and have an adventure. Life is reckless just as it is simple, it is better to fun with it rather than fight it. This novel is about connection and the fact that everyone has something in common with each other.

It�s Kind of a Funny Story. Dir. Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. Focus Features, 2011. DVD

Craig does not know how he got into Manhattan�s Exclusive Pre-Professional High School; he is stressed out about school, his father pushes him academically, and when he gets nervous he has projectile vomit , while also being jealous of his best friend Aaron for dating Nia. Afraid he is going to commit suicide Craig checks himself into a mental institute were he meets Bobby, whom has attempted to commit suicide six times and a father of a little girl. While spending the week in the mental institute Craig learns how to see the world and himself in another light. He falls in love with Noelle, another teenage patient, and finds he is talented at art.

Although somewhat different to the novel, the movie brings in the major them of self-acceptance. This movie visualize the work of Ned Vizzini is such a way that the characters are beautifully transported off the page. However, because of time restraint, it is obvious that many back stories of the characters are left out of the movie. The use of flash backs brings in the first part of the novel and Bobby and the Craig�s discovery of his talents are showcased above his relationship with Noelle.

Nick & Norah�s Infinite Playlist. Dir. Peter Sollett. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, 2009. DVD.

Nick�s heart has just been squashed by Trish but it turns out that his five-minute-girlfriend-to-make Trish-jealous, Nora, is actually in love with him because of his great playlists. Trish turns out to be majorly jealous and tries to track down Nick and Nora around New York while they, along with Thom and Dev, try to find drunk and missing Caroline while simultaneously trying to find Where�s Fluffy. Tal, Norah�s Ex is using her to get his lame Jewish band signed, while Nick realizes he wants Norah to himself.

True to the book, this movie has only minor changes to the novel. Trish is purely evil and the sexual scenes are down played but the overall adventure still has its whirlwind effect. Teenagers can relate to this all-night-party movie where everything that could happen does happen and in the end it�s a memorable night for more than just Nick and Nora in the City that never sleeps.

Stroud, Jonathan. The Amulet of Smarkand. New York: Miramax Books, Hyperion, 2003. Print.

Eleven-year-old apprentice Nathaniel lives in a magical oligarchy London where magicians rule over commoners. Nathaniel—later dubbed John Mandrake—is fed up with his master Arthur Underwood. He decides to take revenge upon Simon Lovelace—who embarrassed him a year earlier—by stealing The Amulet of Smarkand from Lovelace. To extract his revenge, Nathaniel summons the djinni Bartimaeus to steal the valuable and powerful amulet. Unknown to Nathaniel and Bartimaeus, they both have just entered a magical espionage.

Jonathan Stroud uniquely uses footnotes throughout the story to display Bartimaeus�s sarcasm, but also the enlighten the reader on aspects of the story that are not within the time structure but still relevant to the plot. Stroud finds a way to discuss slavery and servitude in a manner that is relevant and close enough to be relatable. Bartimaeus is constantly referring to the treatment of the agents summoned by the magicians and the idea of conscience. Another main theme is that of loyalty versus servitude and it later become clear that Nathaniel is unsure of which he prefers.

Stroud, Jonathan. The Golem�s Eye. New York: Miramax Books, Hyperion, 2004. Print.

John Mandrake is a fourteen year old rising magician but when his superiors ask him to track down The Resistance—a group of commoners rebelling against the magicians—the task is more difficult than he expects. Coupled with the recent break-ins Nathaniel decides to break his promise and summons Bartimaeus once more. A Golem is plaguing the city and with the aid of Kitty, a character from the previous novel, Nathaniel finds the culprit. Kitty is part of The Resistance and decides to go off on her own after an informing discussion Bartimaeus and the treatment of the Djinni.

In this second novel Jonathan Stroud explores the influence of power and how it can change an individual. Nathaniel was an ambitious and talented young man but he had conscience. John Mandrake, however, is altered by the power and status he has gained in the government. His quick rise to power has fed his self-image of importance and he is willing to blackmail Bartimaeus into submission—though witty as Bartimaues is, he gives Nathaniel a run for his money.

Stroud, Jonathan. Ptolemy�s Gate. New York: Miramax Books Hyperion, 2006. Print.

In the final installment of the Bartimaeus Trilogy John Mandrake comes to terms to what and who he has become. At seventeen Mandrake is an established and powerful member of the British government but he is friendless and abusing his servants—worst of all Bartimaeus whom has not left the world in two years and his essence is growing weaker by the day. Kitty is gaining knowledge and beginning to understand the disjunction between the magicians and djinnis. Nathaniel is all but lost and when the events at Ptolemy�s Gate unfold the true character of John Mandrake will unfold.

Throughout the three novels, Jonathan Stroud has used Bartimaeus as a comedic relief to the fall of the London dystopia and the events that lead to it. Ultimately, it is a story of revolution, redemption, and the search for freedom. Although the abolition of slavery and servitude is implied it is not stated what happens after the fall of the British government and is left open. The loyalty between Nathaniel and Bartimaeus is tested again, but it is the hidden friendship that allows them to merge as they do.

Vizzini, Ned. Be More Chill. New York: Miramax Books,Hyperion, 2005. Print.

Jeremy Heere is the typical high school social outcast and loser. Every day Jeremy tallies the number of times he is socially ignored or humiliated on his �humiliation sheets�. That is until the day he hears and eventual takes the Squib. A pill size computer that you swallow, the squib instructs Jeremy what to do to gain popularity. Soon, however, Jeremy is doing things his normal self would never think of and hooking up with Chloe even though he is actually in love with Christine. When things start to go crazy the squib and Michael, Jeremy�s best friend, come up with a solution: a book.

Ned Vizzini is a master at portraying the awkward teenage experiences that plagued any high school student. He exposes how many individuals lose their sense of self and identity by conforming to mainstream ideas. This novel is about decisions, accepting who you are, and surrounding yourself with people who accept you for you. Humiliation and embarrassment are part of life, might as well try to make the best of it.

Vizzini, Ned. It�s Kind of a Funny Story. New York: Miramax Books, Hyperion, 2007. Print.

Craig Gilner is suicidal. He is also stressed out, stops eating, smokes weed, and cannot sleep, this leads to Craig checking himself into a psychiatric ward. Along with Bobby—Jeremy�s �mentor�, Noelle—a victim of sexual abuse who copes by self-mutilation, Muqtada—his roommate, and Jennifer/Charles—the transsexual sex addict, Jeremy is able to find himself and confront what causes his anxiety. By the end of the week, Craig, with the help of his newfound friends, finds a happiness that he never expected to find.

Based on Ned Vizzini�s own five-day-stint in an adult psychiatric ward this tale is based on an experience that obviously has a great impact. What Craig learns is that life is to be lived not just survived. Enjoying life is what life is about, not suffering through it, and happiness is found in the most unlikely of places. This novel is an inspirational masterpiece on depression that is not the slightest bit depressing.

Vizzini, Ned. Teen Angst? Naaah�:A Quasi-Autobiography. Canada: Free Spirit Publishing , Inc., 2000. Print.

Ned Vizzini, in this tell-all, talks about everything that teens go through, from Junior High to High School, from buses to prom, nothing is left out. With a dash of whit, a sprinkle of irony, and a spoonful of honestly Vizzini shares his most private but hilarious moments—either way you wind up laughing. Ned Vizzini wrote most of these stories between the ages of fifteen and eighteen. From the in-depth perception to the silly, Vizzini comments on facts of life that most are eager to forget.

This autobiography is told in a manner that brings the high school years back to life. It shows that with a dash of salt almost any moment of humiliation will later become a hilarious story. These stories show that the teenage experience, although awkward, is universal. Everyone may not relate to every single story but there are many that will catch your attention—or at least for the females, or show a glimpse of the male mind. The side notes show glimpses into Ned Vizzini�s thought and are also explanatory. These small tips of information create a connection between the reader and the young Ned Vizzini that is unique.