Black Humor in Literature: A Dark Twist on Comedy

Black humor is a literary device employed in novels and plays to tackle taboo subjects while injecting an element of comedy. It's often described as a non-serious approach to dealing with grave or serious matters. Writers utilize it as a tool to delve into weighty issues, provoking serious contemplation and discomfort among the audience. Understanding Black Humor Black humor is frequently associated with tragedies and is sometimes likened to tragic farce, serving to lighten the intensity of serious events. While it often aims to evoke laughter, it plays a substantial role in advancing the narrative of a play or novel. Etymologically, black humor consists of two words, "black" and "humor," clearly signifying a humorous approach to something that is inherently serious. It is also referred to as black comedy, dark comedy, or gallows humor. Examples of Black Humor from Literature Example #1: "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut "In 'Slaughterho…