Laurel and hardy Quote by Charles River Editors
““days. After all, the secret of slapstick resides in incongruity, and what could be more incongruous than these dead-panned stumble-bums…turned loose amid the gray towers and ivy-covered walls of peaceful Oxford? What you cannot expect is a story. But Laurel and Hardy have been managing for so long to get by without one of those that its absence is imperceptible. The idea is to laugh, not to think. You'll get the idea, all right.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Oxford Handbook of Comedy, 2020
The quote suggests that slapstick humor thrives on unexpected contrast, and that its power lies in pure laughter rather than narrative depth.
In simple terms: Slapstick works through surprise and simple joy.
Key Takeaway
Embrace absurdity for pure amusement.
Themes
humor
absurdity
entertainment
creativity
Mood
playful
lighthearted
irreverent
Type
observational
entertaining
When to use this quote
- theatre performances
- film comedy
- improv shows
- social gatherings
- creative writing
Key Concepts
incongruity
comic timing
visual comedy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does surprise shape your laughter?
- Can humor exist without a story?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on visual gags may limit emotional resonance.
