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An improper art aims at exciting in the way of comedy the…

“An improper art aims at exciting in the way of comedy the feeling of desire but the feeling which is proper to comic art is the feeling of joy.” quote by James Joyce
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“An improper art aims at exciting in the way of comedy the feeling of desire but the feeling which is proper to comic art is the feeling of joy.”

James Joyce

About This Quote

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

Comic art should provoke desire, yet its proper feeling is joy, not the base lust that other arts may evoke.

In simple terms: Comedy aims for desire but should end in joy.

Key Takeaway

Seek joy, not mere desire, in humor.

Themes

art humor desire

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • writing comedy
  • stand‑up performance
  • satirical cartoons
  • creative workshops

Key Concepts

comedy psychology emotion

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes humor feel genuine?
  • When does desire become a distraction in comedy?
A Different Perspective

Joy can be fleeting if desire dominates, making humor shallow.

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