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You throw a perfectly straight line at the audience and…

“You throw a perfectly straight line at the audience and then, right at the end, you curve it. Good jokes do that.” quote by Abe Burrows
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“You throw a perfectly straight line at the audience and then, right at the end, you curve it. Good jokes do that.”

Abe Burrows

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Comedy works by setting expectations then subverting them for surprise.

In simple terms: Jokes start straight, then twist.

Key Takeaway

Use surprise to make humor.

Themes

humor creativity expectation performance

Mood

playful energetic

Type

comedic instructional

When to use this quote

  • stand‑up routine
  • scriptwriting
  • public speaking
  • advertising pitches

Key Concepts

comedy theory storytelling

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance surprise with clarity?
  • When does a twist become confusing?
A Different Perspective

Not all audiences appreciate abrupt twists; timing matters.

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