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Interpreting Black Humor Within The Framework Of Conceptual Blending Theory

Posted on:2008-03-06Degree:MasterType:Thesis
Country:ChinaCandidate:L M ZhuangFull Text:PDF
GTID:2155360242479285Subject:English Language and Literature
Abstract/Summary:PDF Full Text Request
This paper aims at presenting a cognitive analysis of black humor in fiction by employing conceptual blending theory (also conceptual integration theory), proposed by Fauconnier and Turner. The term"black humor"refers to the humorous treatment of what is grotesque, morbid, or terrifying. It is the juxtaposition of humor and horror.For this purpose, the present paper selects for analysis Catch-22, a novel by Joseph Heller, a well-known American novelist for his use of black humor. To analyze the blending process of black humor, the present paper first probes into the mechanism of humor, to examine what provokes the laughter at the beginning. The paper then focuses on the techniques Joseph Heller employs at different levels to achieve the effect of humor, namely at lexical-grammatical level and rhetorical level, by making use of the integration network including generic space, cross-space mapping, selective projection, blend, and emergent structure through composition, completion and elaboration, as well as mental space construction concerning Base, Viewpoint, and Focus. The analysis elaborates on the blending process of the combination of humor and horror to produce the so-called"black humor". The research is conducted inductively to arrive at the cognitive model of black humor on account of conceptual blending theory.By analyzing black humor in Catch-22 within the framework of conceptual blending theory, the present study has extended the application of the theory to a wider range. Furthermore, it has verified the application of conceptual blending theory at literary level of cognitive operation. The detailed analysis also offers a new perspective for readers to interpret and appreciate black humor in fiction.
Keywords/Search Tags:black humor, conceptual blending theory, mental space
PDF Full Text Request
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