Comedy, more specifically parody, can transform the most serious and tragic subject into a laughable matter. Why? How? What do we feel and think when we laugh? We know that comedy can lampoon social inadequacies. Can it also relieve a sense of gloom and doom by poking fun at sister tragedy?
In this lecture, Dr. LaCourse Munteanu will investigate some of the elements of literary parody developed at the end of fifth-century Athens by Aristophanes – elements which are still in use in modern times (e.g. in Woody Allen’s works). Furthermore, it will examine the nature of comedy, seen as opposite to tragedy, through the lens of ancient philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, as well as several contemporary thinkers.
All lectures are in the John Gilbert Reese Center. Reception with light refreshments immediately following.
RSVP by calling 740.364.9635 or send email to rsvp-newark@osu.edu.
The Faculty Lecture Series is a forum in which faculty share their areas of expertise. In this forum, students learn outside the classroom and the community can participate in a lively discussion and exchange of ideas. It is hosted by William L. MacDonald, Ph.D., Dean/Director of Ohio State Newark.
For more information about the series, contact Francesca Amigo at 740.364.9635 or amigo.6@osu.edu.
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