Artemus Ward used that trick a good deal; then when the…
““Artemus Ward used that trick a good deal; then when the belated audience presently caught the joke he would look up with innocent surprise, as if wondering what they had found to laugh at. Dan Setchell used it before””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A comedic trick is repeated, and the audience’s delayed reaction creates humor through surprise.
In simple terms: Repeating a joke can still be funny if the audience catches it later.
Key Takeaway
Use timing and surprise for humor.
Themes
comedy
timing
audience reaction
Mood
lighthearted
observational
Type
humorous
literary
When to use this quote
- stand‑up comedy
- teaching
- public speaking
- marketing pitches
Key Concepts
Social dynamics
humor theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does audience awareness affect comedic timing?
- When is repetition effective?
A Different Perspective
Overusing a trick may make it stale and lose impact.