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About this quote

What does it mean?
Analyzing humor too closely destroys its essence and reveals unappealing details.
In plain terms
If you analyze humor too much, it stops being funny and looks bad.
What can you take from it?
Don't overanalyze humor or you will lose it.

Where it applies

  • writing comedy
  • teaching humor

Putting it to work

  • enjoy without dissecting
  • focus on effect not structure

Questions to consider

  • Can you laugh if you know the trick?
  • Is humor a science or magic?

Another view

Analysis can sometimes enhance appreciation of comedy.

More from E. B. (Elwyn Brooks) White

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