I personally don't watch The Office. But I've seen a few clips on social media and a few episodes here and there but I definitely agree that from the examples provided the incongruity theory seem to be the most relevant to me. I would also add that superiority and relief theory are also shown throughout the show because many times not just one theory in works of comedy are being used. But, depending how the reader interprets certain situations will obviously change ones perspective. The quotes that Sonali used, made me actually laugh out loud because for instance, if there's a fire obviously we know we're supposed to evaluate the building, not go to the VENDING machine!! The Office is one of those shows that so many people have seen and love and reference all the time in funny situations. All these examples of funny Kevin and Dwight moments, makes me want to get on Netflix right now for a good laugh. The comment about "There's too many people on this Earth. We need a new plague." I'm dying of laughter right now, hold on I need to get my giggles out... WHAT? Who says such a thing? I feel like thats a perfect example of incongruity theory, because that's just not what you expect to read after that first sentence. I feel that the incongruity theory applies best with the examples that were provided in Sonali's blog post.
I agree that so many people reference The Office all the time. A person doesn't have to watch the Office necessarily to think a quote is funny. You thought the quotes were funny and didn't see the full series. I completely agree that the Office is a great example of incongruity theory because the most ridiculous comments are made.
ReplyDeleteI think that you are correct about how the three theories seem to blend together at times to make a joke as funny as it can be. If you haven't watched The Office all the way through, I would definitely recommend that you do so "ASAP as possible" to quote Michael Scott.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem that it is almost part of the ether at this point: you don't even need to watch it to really have watched it in a way. Seinfeld has the same status in ways. Also, not saying this to call you out, just because I think it's genuinely great: we have to "evaluate the building" in a fire is a perfect typo for a post about the Office. I can just see Michael Scott doing that in an emergency situation!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the office does show representations of incongruity theory. I can understand why you don't necessarily like watching the office, humor is different for everybody! I do not enjoy watching Parks and Rec because I don't find the humor funny.
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