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How Is Humor Used In Dead End In Norvelt

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In the historical fiction novel, Dead End in Norvelt, by Jack Gantos humor is a recurring element. The novel is based on real events revolving around a 12 year old boy who is grounded all summer, and yet still manages to have the craziest, funniest summer of his life. Humor is seen in many scenes and displayed by many characters. Without humor the novel would be bland. Not only is one kind of humor used, but many types are displayed. Jack Gantos uses juxtaposition, schadenfreude, and low comedy.
Juxtaposition is just one of the way comedy is used in Dead End in Norvelt. Juxtaposition is when two opposites are put together to create a humorous effect. One example of juxtaposition being used is when Mr. Spizz chases after the Hells Angels. They are opposites because Mr. Spizz, an old man, is chasing after these tough Hells Angels riding big motorcycles and Mr. Spizz is on his little tricycle. This makes the readers visualize such a scene and laugh due to the huge contrast between the two. Juxtaposition is a very effective way to create humor in this novel but it is definitely not the only way. …show more content…

Schadenfreude is satisfaction derived from another’s hardship “‘Please don’t eat your own flesh.’ Oh cheeze-us-crust. Mom didn’t know Miss Volker had gone insane, and I know I would go insane too if I had to watch Miss Volker cannibalize her own body down to the white boiled bones” (Gantos 26). This quote displays the use of schadenfreude because Miss Volker is in pain, and Jack is distraught from watching her boil her hands. The humor is created at the expense of the two characters. Schadenfreude can also be encountered whenever blood bursts from Jack’s nose. Schadenfreude is an important, and commonly used tool in Dead End in Norvelt to create an amusing and playful

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