Audience Quote by Matthew Zapruder
“I'm more than a little suspicious of humor in poems, because I think it can at times be a way of getting a reaction out of a reader, or an audience, that is something closer to relief: i.e., thank god this isn't poetry, but stand-up comedy. Some poets are really funny, but more often poets are fourth rate stand up comics at best. But they benefit from the sheer relief of the audience.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Poetry Foundation, 2015
Humor in poetry can serve as a relief valve, but may also be used to manipulate audience reaction rather than convey depth.
In simple terms: Humor can both relieve and distract.
Key Takeaway
Use humor wisely in writing.
Themes
poetry
humor
audience reaction
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
literary
critical
When to use this quote
- creative writing workshops
- performance poetry
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
relief
manipulation
artistic integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- When does humor enhance poetry?
- What risks come with comedic poetry?
A Different Perspective
Humor may undermine seriousness of the poem.
![“I missed the whole thing [X-files series]. And I know it went for nine seasons, and I think I saw bits and pieces of it in maybe season seven or eight or something, and then was very busy doing whatever else, stand-up comedy and stuff throughout the world. Now I'm watching the show right from the…” quote by Rhys Darby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/348/rhys-darby-12111_bits_i-missed-the-whole-thing-x-files-series_57503.jpg)
